MARKET REPORT JUNE 2022

Thyme Red Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of the Thymus vulgaris, an evergreen perennial shrub that is native to Southeast Spain. Thriving in Spain's hot summers and periodical rain showers, harvesting takes place in June. Red Thyme requires a neutral or slightly alkaline soil pH, and although it has a tolerance for relatively poor soil types, Red Thyme grows best in the sandy or rocky soil of Southern Europe. 90% of the production being cultivated, while the other 10% is obtained in the forest.

Two years ago, a generous portion of the production was attacked by insects, while the production of last year was damaged by hail prior to the harvest. This year's production is expected to be good, although there is still some time before harvesting season begins.

Currently, Market conditions and prices are stable, although the price may increase without warning due to the high demand for Thyme Red Essential Oil.

Steam distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, Wintergreen is grown in the high mountain areas in the Southwest Chinese province of Yunnan, where the altitude is between 1500 and 3500 meters high. Harvesting occurs between May and June, although the high altitude makes harvesting difficult due to transportation issues in the mountains. Wintergreen grows best in wet soil with low nutrient levels. It does not thrive in hot, humid conditions and grows best in warm weather and in cool summers.

The market demand for Wintergreen China Essential Oil is stable. The Harvest yield is projected to be similar to that of last year, with a yield rate of 0.6% from leaf to oil. However, the output is decreasing as it is grown in the wild, and some protected forest areas are not allowing harvest to thrive.

Turmeric Essential Oil is steam distilled from the Curcuma longa root cultivated in India. Harvesting between February and May, as well as between August and October, Curcuma longa requires a hot climate and moderate rain. Well-drained, sandy soil is the ideal soil type for Turmeric to thrive, but the crop can also grow in muddy soil. This year, the projected harvest yield for Turmeric Essential Oil is between 4 and 6%.

Currently, the market conditions for Turmeric Essential Oil are stable. The demand is high, namely from the pharmacy, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic industries.

Harvested in the month of December, Tangerine Essential Oil is cold-pressed from the Citrus reticulata blanco var tangerine fruit peel. The Tangerine tree originated in Mexico, although some trees also grow in Florida. Regarding cultivation, Tangerine has not been consumed in the fresh market since it has been replaced by Murcott from California, which are easier to peel. Tangerine requires neutral soil to grow into fruition, meaning the peat at the root bulb may add acidity to the soil. Similar to Valencia Orange, Tangerines are best adapted to consistent warm temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius (between 59- and 74-degrees Fahrenheit). In their growing season, Tangerines should never experience temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (about 10 degrees Celsius).

The harvest yield has seen a yearly decline, although the Market Demand continues to be very high. The market conditions have been producing lower volumes every year as well.

Originating in Turkey, Black Cumin Seed Carrier Oil is cold pressed from the Nigella sativa L. seeds. Harvested in June and July, Black Cumin Seeds thrive in sandy, loamy, and even heavy clay soils. Any pH level is suitable, as long as the soil's drainage is adequate. Partial shade is acceptable, however, sowing seeds in an area of direct sunlight will yield the best results. The ideal weather conditions include moderate rain levels during the spring, and dry weather in the summer.

The current growing conditions for Black Cumin Seeds are favorable, and the projected harvest yield is similar to that of last year (which were at normal levels). The market demand has been increasing steadily since last year.

In Chile, Grapeseed Carrier Oil is cold-pressed form the Vitis vinifera seeds. Harvested between December and April, deep soils and temperate Mediterranean climate are suitable for the growth of Grapeseeds. Currently, growing conditions are climatically favorable, and the projected crop yield is generally consistent, similar to previous year's availability. However, unlike last year's slight reduction in cost, the price of Grapeseed Carrier Oil is expected to increase due to the high market demand of all edible oils.

Native to Senegal, Baobab trees grow in the wild, and the fruits are wild harvested between January and April annually. Baobab trees, scientifically known as Adansonia digitata, grow everywhere in the dry Savannah where there are three seasons: dry and cool, dry and hot, and wet and warm. Since the seeds are a by-product of the pulp production, the demand depends on the pulp/fruit. The market conditions are driven by the cosmetic industry, and the projected harvest yield is the same as that of last year. In previous years, Baobab Carrier Oil has experienced a lackluster harvest yield and limited supply, causing prices to surge quickly along with the growing demand.