Bulgarian Rose Oil Production

Overview

• Production Cost vs. Market Value
  • Takes up to 5,000 kg of Bulgarian roses to produce 1 kg of rose oil.
  • Market price: Up to $15,000 for 1 kg of oil.
  • High demand from luxury brands (e.g., Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton).

Harvesting Process

• Limited Time Frame:

  • Harvesting period lasts only a few weeks each year.
  • Approximately 450 tonnes of roses must be gathered in this short time frame.

• Harvesting Technique:

  • Best to harvest in the morning for higher oil concentration.
  • Bulgarian roses (Damask roses) have a low oil content compared to other varieties.

Distillation Process

• Immediate Distillation Required:

  • Petals must be distilled on the same day as harvesting to maintain quality.
  • Delay reduces potency and value of oil.

• Distillation Steps:

  • Petals are weighed and boiled with water.
  • The mixture undergoes several distillation processes to separate oil from water.
  • Yield: From 5,000 kg of petals, only a small amount of oil is extracted.

Quality and Pricing

• Production Costs:

  • Average cost of $1,000 per kg of oil on labor.
  • Selling price can be more than 1.5 times the production cost.

• Aging Process:

  • Oil must be aged for at least 3 months before it can be used in perfumes.
  • Fresh oil has a different profile compared to aged oil, akin to the differences in wine.

Unique Characteristics of Bulgarian Rose Oil

• Chemical Composition:

  • Contains over 300 compounds, making it distinct from other rose oils.

• Origin:

  • Damask rose (Rosa damascena) cultivated in Bulgaria's Rose Valley for around 400 years.

• Ideal Growing Conditions:

  • Cold and wet climate prevents protective wax formation, allowing for higher oil saturation.
  • Poor, rocky soil contributes to unique aroma and quality.

Market Trends

• Growing Demand:
  • Rose oil market expected to grow at 6.8% CAGR from 2019 to 2025.
  • Organic rose oil segment is the fastest growing due to increasing consumer preference for organic, chemical-free products.

Conclusion

• Value Addition:
  • Bulgarian rose oil is considered "liquid gold" due to its unique properties and demand in luxury fragrances.
  • Its scent enhances perfumes significantly, making it a staple for perfumers.