Just over a few years Bulgaria has become a world leader in lavender and lavender oil production. Bulgaria has managed to take the first place from France, a leader in lavender production for centuries.
Over the course of 30 years Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova, China and ex Yugoslavian countries gradually ceased lavender produce thus leaving the entire market to Bulgaria, pointed out Nikolai Nenov, an expert in the National laboratory for essential oils.
In 2011 Bulgaria produced 60 tons of lavender oil and producers expect this year’s distillation to reach 120 tons. Between 60 and 70% of the production is exported to France where it is sold to cosmetic companies and local lavender oil producers.