Interview by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) with Essences Bulgaria
Who is Essences Bulgaria? Tell us a little about yourselves…
– We are a Bulgarian-German family dedicated to our organic agricultural business, producing high-quality essential oils, floral waters, cold-pressed oils, and honey. We deliver only 100% pure natural products, entirely sourced from organic farming. Our motto, “We love what we do”, is reflected in every Essences Bulgaria product through its unique aroma and flavor.
Where are you located?
– Our plantations are in northeastern Bulgaria, near the Srebarna Nature Reserve – a UNESCO Biosphere Park – and the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. The soil in this area is considered some of the richest in Europe, which is crucial for the healing and restorative qualities of our plants, as well as for the quality of our harvests.
Which aromatic plants do you grow and distill?
– We cultivate a wide range of herbs suitable for the Bulgarian climate and soil. These include well-known plants like lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris), as well as rarer and unusual ones like smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria), lemon savory (Satureja montana ssp. citriodora), and Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica).
Which is your favorite essential oil to distill, and why?
– My personal favorite is Moldavian dragonhead. Its scent is a beautiful combination of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and honey. I love the purple flowering fields in summer and the incredible sound of the bees, which probably love this plant even more than I do.
Some of the essential oils you distill are quite unusual. What made you choose them?
– I love experimenting, especially when the result is unexpectedly beautiful. That was the case with Moldavian dragonhead – the harvest was excellent, and the aroma was exceptionally interesting, with promising aromatherapeutic qualities.
Besides essential oils, what else do you produce?
– We also produce floral waters (hydrosols), cold-pressed oils, and honey. We collaborate with a local partner for our carrier oils. Among our best products, in my opinion, are apricot (Prunus armeniaca), walnut (Juglans regia), and hemp seed (Cannabis sativa) oils.
What are the biggest challenges for farmers and distilleries today?
– In recent years, the most serious challenges have been water shortages and unpredictable weather, which can suddenly destroy an entire crop. Another major factor is market fluctuations – sometimes certain oils are overproduced worldwide, causing prices to fall below production costs. This is especially true for Bulgarian oils, as customers often expect lower prices from Bulgarian producers while being willing to pay significantly more for French oils, for example.
How important is it to be sustainable and organic?
– In a world of constant change, sustainability and care for nature are key. They preserve the fertility and beauty of the environment that provides us with everything we need and make it available for future generations.
What are your hopes for the future of Essences Bulgaria?
– I hope more farmers realize how important it is to give something back to nature and the soil on which everything depends. Only through sustainable practices can we face future challenges and produce healthier products.
What new projects are you working on at the moment?
– This year, for the first time, we are growing sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), which we will dry and offer as an herb. We are very excited because the healing properties of this plant are well known.
