Aroma Trading Limited

Market Report July 2003

Citronella Oil
Prices are very competitive and stable for some weeks now. Probably a good time to cover forward requirements.

Geranium Oil
Further to last month's report, it seems cracks are appearing in the resolve of Geranium Egyptian producers to hold prices at a high level. One of the shippers has tabled a price 20% lower than levels seen in April.

Lavender Oil
Distillation of Lavender Oil has started in Bulgaria and will commence any day now in France. The exceptionally hot weather in the South of France may have an impact on the yields. Although there is 15% more acreage on Lavender this year, some of the older distillers warn that we may be looking at a lower crop of Lavender Oil. The problem will not be helped by the exchange rate of the stronger Euro which is at least 12% more expensive than same exchange rate last year. This additional cost will have to be passed on.

Litsea Cubeba
Prices are still quite low and competitively priced. Maybe with all this hot weather we are having, the soft drinks manufacturers will find a home for the citral.

Melissa Oil
We have new crop available from stock and welcome your enquiries.

Patchouli Oil
As anticipated some weeks back, prices are now falling as more Patchouli Oil becomes available. However, they are still a long way off price levels last seen in February.

Sage Oil
Yet another essential oil affected by drought is Dalmation Sage Oil. There are small parcels available but at a heavy premium.