Naydenov pointed out that Bulgarian producers top the lavender market for a second year in a row, whereas rose oil makers have occupied a leadership position for ages. Bulgaria is a world leader in the production of both rose and lavender oil. The rose is a symbol of Bulgaria and is even present on the country’s logo; it is also a matter of national self-esteem.
‘Fact is that prices have hit record heights over the past one or two years – a kilo of rose oil currently sells for more than EUR 6,000. Perhaps the economic downturn is taking its toll, but as a natural product, as a unique aroma, in the face of synthetics, which imitates it, rose oil is here to stay,’ the minister said.