| The Malagasy essential oils stand at the Cosme Tech show in Tokyo. |
Malagasy essential oils are causing a sensation on the Japanese market, where they remain largely underestimated. However, recent advances suggest promising partnership opportunities.
The representation of Malagasy essential oils at the international Cosme Tech exhibition in Tokyo earlier this month marked a turning point. Under the direction of Adolphe Samsidine, president of the Nosy Be essential oils platform, around fifteen varieties, including ylang-ylang, vanilla, peppers, saro and katrafay, were presented, attracting the attention of Japanese actors. Discussions have been initiated between Malagasy producers and Japanese manufacturers, leading to partnership prospects. “Madagascar essential oils remain largely unknown in Japan, this country which imports its oils from the Philippines even though these precious Malagasy essences offer superior quality,” underlines Adolphe Samsidine.
A Japanese delegation is planned to visit Nosy Be next April. The objective will be to evaluate on the ground the quality and quantity of Malagasy deposits of essential oils, thus opening the way to new partnerships and direct valorization of local products.
Growth
Malagasy products, notably peppers, saro and katrafay, are well positioned compared to those of other countries exporting to Japan, estimates the boss of essential oil professionals from Nosy Be. This opportunity could help diversify Malagasy exports and strengthen their presence on the international market.
Essential oils have experienced significant growth over the last five years, expecting a turnover of more than $230 million in 2022 according to figures from the Group of Exporters of Essential Oils, Extracts and Oleoresins of Madagascar (GEHEM) , thus exceeding the 140.5 million dollars in 2020. According to the group’s forecasts, this industry should even exceed the threshold of one billion dollars, and generating one million jobs, by 2030.
Currently, more than 70% of Malagasy essential oils are exported to France, mainly in raw form. However, this intermediation makes France the world’s leading producer of essential oils, relegating Madagascar to the shadow of its own production. For ylang-ylang, for example, more than sixty tonnes are sent to France each year. Furthermore, in Nosy Be, the situation is particularly worrying for ylang-ylang planters and producers of essential oils derived from this plant. The significant drop in prices for this product has led many players to abandon their activities.
He is careful