MARKET REPORT JUNE 2019

In Nepal, Chamomile is harvested from February to March. The current growing conditions are favorable. This year’s production was optimum due to improved weather conditions. The demand for Chamomile is strong and, at present, the price is both stable and lower than last year’s prices.

In the UK, Roman Chamomile is harvested in July. The current growing conditions are favorable; however, the final crop quality depends on the weather in June and at the time of harvest. Compared to last year’s harvest yield of 6000 kg, this year’s yield is projected to be much lower at an estimated 3000 kg. The total yearly demand is approximately 4000 kg. It is too early to know the market conditions, but they depend on the final quantity of the new crop.

In India, Castor is harvested from December to April. The lack of rainfall in the Castor growing region has led to a low crop yield, of which there is approximately 900 000 tons. There are 400 000 tons of carryover crop from last year. Last year, the crop yield was 1400 000 tons, and the carryover crop was 600 000 tons. The annual demand is around 1700 000 tons. Compared to the demand, the quantity of available crop is low, hence prices have begun to increase and are expected to remain high.

Organic Castor Oil is harvested between February and May. This year’s harvest yield is almost 10% lower at 1800 kg/hectare, compared to 2000 kg last year. Sowing is also lower than 30% compared to last year and is approximately 35% lower than the 5-year average. Due to low acreage and production this year, Castor Oil has a 25% higher rate than last year. The annual demand for Castor is increasing, due to its beneficial properties and the consequential high usage of Organic Castor Oil in the cosmetics industry. Due to increased demand for the product and this year’s decrease in production, the market conditions still seem favorable. There is even greater demand expected from the world market, due to the acceptability of Organic Castor Oil.

In Indonesia, Cajeput is harvested and the oil is produced year-round. At present, there are no issues with the growing conditions. This year’s harvest yield is projected to be normal, neither higher nor lower than previous years. The crop is stable and the demand has greatly increased throughout 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, due to earlier restrictions on other sources of Cineol/Eucalyptol. Now that the other sources have recovered, the prices for Cajeput have stabilized. At present, market conditions are unclear.

In Australia, Blue Mallee Eucalyptus is generally harvested from September to June. The current growing conditions are unfavorable due to a prolonged drought and resultant dryness. This has caused a decline in the crop yield, as two years of below-average rainfall have led to poor growth. The demand for Blue Mallee remains strong and in excess of supply. The market also remains strong, strengthened further by the limited availability of supplies.

In Italy, Bergamot is harvested from November to February. As observed in the last harvest and as forecasted for the new crop, it appears that Bergamot trees are recovering from difficulties in the previous three years, caused by climatic changes that affected the blossoming. This year’s harvest yield is projected to be higher than the previous one; however, a more accurate prediction can be made in late August/early September. The demand for Bergamot has been increasing due to its popularity in Aromatherapy and due to growing Asian markets. The market is good for sellers, due to the high prices, which are also influenced by significant demand from fresh fruit markets.

In Italy, Organic Bergamot is harvested from mid-November to the beginning of March. The winter and spring weather conditions have resulted in favorable conditions for a regular Bergamot blossoming; however, the summer weather conditions will determine the next crop trend. The 2018/2019 Bergamot harvest yield was regular in terms of fruits harvested and was in line with the previous one. There is high demand for Bergamot, but there is poor availability at this point in the year.

In Mexico, Safflower is harvested in April and May. This year’s weather was favorable and, though some areas experienced losses due to the low amount of rain, this issue affected less than 10% of the Safflower production. This year’s harvest yield was better than that of the previous year. The demand is stable, though it is necessary to constantly review the climatic conditions that may affect the crop’s performance. Given that the amount of Safflower harvested in Mexico is higher this year compared to last year, the prices are expected to be stable.