April 2024
The April 2024 Market Report provides an in-depth analysis of the current market conditions for several key oils and detailed assessment of their performance. Helichrysum Essential Oil is facing challenges after experiencing overproduction in pervious years. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil remains robust, driven by high demand and favorable cultivation conditions, offering promising opportunities for producers. Tea Tree Essential Oil – AAA (Australia) is experiencing challenges as some farmers struggle with financial issues, impacting yield and market supply. Eucalyptus Globulus 80/85% Essential Oil has seen marginal reduction in crop size, resulting from a lack of interest from farmers as well as complex policies. In this month's spotlight on carrier oils, Organic Castor Oil continues to maintain stability supported by favorable growing conditions. Its conventional counterpart, Castor Carrier Oil - USP - Extra Virgin, also demonstrates growth with an increase in crop size compared to the previous year.
Continue reading to stay up to date on the latest industry trends from the experts at New Directions Aromatics.
Helichrysum Essential Oil (Slovenia)
Steam distilled from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant cultivated in Slovenia, Helichrysum Essential Oil is renowned for its therapeutic properties. The crop thrives best in well-draining soils, including sandy and loamy varieties, with a preferred pH range from alkaline to neutral. Helichrysum italicum flourishes in Mediterranean climates, requiring ample sunlight and sufficient rainfall, yet it exhibits tolerance to drought conditions.
The situation of the Helichrysum Essential Oil market is becoming increasingly challenging. Although overproduction in previous years resulted in a surplus of materials in the market, the recent trends indicate a slowdown in production. The 2023 harvest already showed a decrease in yield relative to demand. Looking ahead to the July 2024 harvest, there is an anticipated shortfall in materials to meet market demand, potentially leading to a spike in prices.
Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree cultivated in Sri Lanka. Harvested between May and November, this evergreen tree thrives in a variety of soil types, including loam, sandy, and gravely soils of laterite type. It flourishes under temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, which are ideal for ensuring optimal growth and yield.
This month, the market for Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil remains promising, as cultivation has not encountered any significant issues. Projections indicate a high yield for this year compared to the previous crop, aligning well with the current robust demand. Market conditions continue to remain favorable, creating a supportive environment for both producers and consumers.
Tea Tree Essential Oil – AAA (Australia)
A reputed astringent, Tea Tree Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia shrub cultivated in Australia. The harvest season spans from June to October, with a single harvest per year. Native to the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Tea Tree Oil thrives in soil that retains moisture effectively, which is essential for optimal growth. The ideal weather condition includes approximately 1 meter of rainfall annually, providing the necessary moisture for cultivation.
The market for Tea Tree Essential Oil - AAA is experiencing challenges this month, as several farmers face cash flow issues, potentially leading to yield shortages for future crops. Despite these challenges, the market does not currently anticipate any immediate shortages.
Castor Organic Carrier Oil – Extra Virgin
Castor Organic Carrier Oil is expeller-pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant cultivated in India. Native to India's Gujarat and Rajasthan regions, Ricinus communis is harvested annually between March and April annually. This crop thrives in well-drained sandy loam soils and requires a dry and warm climate for optimal growth.
Currently, Castor Organic Oil is experiencing favorable growing conditions, resulting in an average crop size compared to last year. However, the limited quantity of Ricinus communis crop poses a potential challenge in meeting future demand. The stability of the market is contingent upon demand trends, with the risk of shortages if demand exceeds the available supply of organic quantities.
Castor Carrier Oil - USP - Extra Virgin
Expeller-pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis, our Extra Virgin Castor Carrier Oil originates from the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan and is harvested from January until May. Ricinus communis thrives in well-drained soils and flourishes under moderately high temperatures with low humidity.
This year, the crop size reached approximately 2.2 million tons, marking an increase from the previous year. Favorable climate conditions have contributed to the optimistic outlook, although unforeseen challenges such as climate disruptions remain a possibility. While the current yield for Castor Carrier Oil is slightly lower compared to last year, no immediate shortages are anticipated. Market stability is contingent upon the dynamics of demand and supply in both domestic and foreign markets.