March 2025
The March 2025 market report highlights the current conditions for several prominent aromatic products. The market demand for each highlighted product remains stable and strong, however, this is not without challenges such as soil conditions and climate change.
Our featured essential oils include Fir Balsam Organic, Sandalwood (East Indian) and Sandalwood (Australian) Essential Oils. Each of these oils are experiencing favorable growing conditions, consistent or increased harvest yields, and no signs of shortages. Regarding carrier oils, Macadamia Nut Organic Oil is stable in demand and is expected to reach a similar yield as last year’s crop. Meanwhile, Rosehip Organic Carrier Oil may reach a yield that is 15-30% greater than the previous harvest. Our only reported butter this month, Cocoa Butter Ultra Refined, is expected to increase its yield by 8-10%, although the total yield is significantly shorter than previous years due to fluctuations in climate and soil heath issues. Despite this, the market demand for Ultra Refined Cocoa Butter is at a stable level.
Continue reading to stay informed on the latest industry trends from the experts at New Directions Aromatics.
Sourced from Quebec, Canada, our Organic Fir Balsam Oil is cold pressed from the needles of the Abies balsamea. Harvested multiple times between April and November, this resilient tree flourishes in various soil types and climates and is notably resistant to the intense cold of northern regions. The current growing conditions for Abies balsamea have been favorable, with no reported challenges such as adverse climate conditions or infestations, and we do not anticipate any shortages in the upcoming quarter. Market demand for Fir Balsam Organic Oil remains steady, and the projected harvest yield is consistent with previous years. For bulk orders, it is advisable to inquire about pricing in February.
The East Indian variety of Sandalwood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the Santalum album wood that is harvested year-round. Thriving in tropical and subtropical climates, the Santalum album tree prefers red clay soils, sandy soils, and clay-rich black soils. The crop size has remained consistent over the past few years, with a slight increase in yield of 3-5% compared to last year. There have been no reported challenges affecting the crop, and no shortages are anticipated in the next quarter. The demand for East Indian Sandalwood oil remains stable, and bulk pricing inquiries can be made at any time due to the continuous availability of the product.
Sourced from the Santalum spicatum wood grown in western Australia, this variety of Sandalwood Essential Oil is typically harvested during the dry season from December to May. The Santalum spicatum tree grows on a range of soil types alongside various host plant species, with optimal sands found in mixed vegetation areas. Factors such as suitable hosts, soil moisture, seed dispersal mechanisms, and fire history influence its distribution. The yield has remained steady compared to last year, with no reported shortages expected in the upcoming quarter. Market demand for Australian Sandalwood Oil continues to be stable, and bulk orders can be placed at any time, given the regular and ongoing availability.
Macadamia Nut Organic Carrier Oil is cold pressed from organically grown Macadamia integrifolia nuts. Sourced from the Limpopo region of South Africa, this crop is harvested multiple times between March and September and grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5.
For optimal harvest, the macadamia tree prefers a subtropical climate with temperatures between 16°C and 25°C, accompanied by significant rainfall. This year's crop size is stable, with an increase in yield of 15-30% compared to last year. No challenges affecting the crop have been reported, and no shortages are anticipated in the next quarter. The demand for Organic Macadamia Oil remains steady.
Known for its “dry oil” texture and its rich nutrient profile, Rosehip Organic Carrier Oil is cold pressed from organically grown Rosa canina seeds. Cultivated from the VII and IX regions in Chile, this crop is harvested once a year between February and April. It flourishes in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and benefits from cooler temperatures and higher rainfall typical of southern Chile.
This year's crop size and yield are expected to be similar to that of last year, with no reported challenges affecting the crop. No shortages are anticipated in the next quarter, and market demand for Rosehip Organic Oil remains stable. For bulk orders, it is best to inquire about pricing at the beginning of the year.
This variety of Cocoa Butter is sourced from West Africa and is deodorized and ultra refined for ease of use in cosmetic formulations. With a single harvest season occurring between October and March, the Cocoa tree thrives in red laterite soils within a narrow band of countries between 20 degrees north and south of the equator, requiring high rainfall.
While this year's crop size has increased by 8-10% compared to last year’s, it remains 70% lower than two years ago due to challenges such as climate change and fungal diseases that have affected many cocoa fields in West Africa. Despite these obstacles, no shortages are anticipated in the next quarter, and demand for Ultra Refined Cocoa Butter continues to be strong.