MARKET REPORT OCTOBER 2017

In Morocco, the month of harvest for Oregano is June. The weather and growing conditions have been favorable; however, there has been a shortage in the crop, due to wild collection and the demand for dried leaves in the local market. The harvest yield for 2017 has improved since the 2016 crop, which does not have any remaining stock. There is firm demand and stable market conditions for organic Oregano.

In India, the harvest months for Spearmint are between May and July, a crop season that is locally referred to as "zaid," meaning "abundance" or "increase." This is the time between the plantation and the harvest, and this period is sometimes between January and February or between June and July. This year, the growing conditions are favorable; however, the overall yield and production of conventional Spearmint Oil has declined by almost 40%, whereas the overall yield and production of organic Spearmint Oil has experienced only an 8% reduction. The demand for Spearmint Oil is high compared to its production; however, due to the increase in price, the quantities sold were reduced. Due to low yields and high price, the market is responding only to their firm requirements.

In India, the harvest months for Turmeric Essential Oil are from January to March. The monsoon, which has decreased the cultivating area in many growing regions, has caused a shortfall in the crop. Regular Turmeric Finger and Turmeric Bulb prices have shown an upward trend. In the lean season between October and November, the Turmeric prices are expected to firm up. It is yet too soon to know 2017's projected harvest yield. There continues to be demand for the oil with market conditions expected to be firm for the short and medium term.

In India, the harvest months for Ricebran are from October to November. The growing conditions have been normal yielding a harvest that has been the same as last year's crop. There has been a considerable increase in global demand as well as awareness of the global demand in the Indian market. The market conditions in the months of September and October are expected to remain tight, due to the lack of oil availability. These months are also the last months of the off-season and peak festive demand in India. In November, the market conditions are expected to begin cooling down.

In Peru, the season of harvest for Tara Gum is between the months of May and October. This year's harvest yield could be lower in the North of Peru but higher in the South. Despite the El Niño phenomenon that occurred at the beginning of this year, the crop yield is expected to be the same volume as the previous year. New demand is growing, especially within the Cosmetic industry, and only Peru produces a quality that matches the industry standards. At present, the prices for Tara Gum are low.

In Brazil, the months of harvest for citrus fruits, such as sweet Oranges, are from May to February. This season is experiencing favorable growing conditions, promising an ideal volume of raw material. This year's harvest yield is projected to be of a higher volume than last year. There has been a higher demand for Orange Oil and Citrus Terpenes, due to low production last season as well as the consequences of Hurricane Irma, which has greatly reduced production in Florida. The market conditions for Orange Oil and Citrus Terpenes are aggressive and firm.