Sourcing And Country Of Origin
There is a perception in the marketplace that the country of origin is of utmost importance when purchasing an essential oil. This is not necessarily the case, and can be considered more of a political argument than a quality one – similar to the argument that champagne can only come from France.
Within a country or origin, there can be a large number of producers with a range of individual qualities. This means that there is not necessarily one standard produced from a single origin.
In some instances, certain origins are known as the traditional source of a product and may have a strong claim for quality. For example, that the best Eucalyptus oil comes from Australia. This is true in most cases but not always. Many oils have moved from the original producing countries to new ones. These oils can be just as good or sometimes even better than their original home.
It is also important to note that some companies do not specify country of origin at all. This may be because they are selling an oil that is sourced from a number of countries, which would indicate the oil is likely to be inferior quality and not a pure product.
Therefore, when considering the country of origin as an indication of quality, it is better to assess each batch and oil in its own right to determine suitability for the needs of the buyer.
Due to political, climatic and environmental changes around the world it can often be difficult to guarantee continuity of supply of an essential oil from a single source or country of origin.
It is for this reason that Australian Botanical Products source essential oils from a variety of countries. We are able to provide an oil produced in a specific country, if a customer requests it, but this service attracts a premium due to supply issues.
Botanical Origin
ABP have direct relationships with suppliers and can guarantee the botanical species origin for each essential oil. Testing and analysis physically support these relationships.
When choosing an essential oil, it is important to understand the relationship between botanical origin and its effect on the quality and properties of the essential oil.
The same essential oil type can sometimes be produced from a number of botanical species. For example, the most common Lavender type comes from Lavandula angustifolia. There is also a less expensive type known as Lavandin, which comes from Lavandula x intermedia.
When some companies do not specify the botanical species of an oil, it could be an indication that they have combined two separate botanical species, creating a product of less definable quality. Technically speaking the product is still an identifiable essential oil, but it is of an inferior quality compared to an oil that has been produced solely from one botanical source.
Often the properties of an essential oil are indicated by the botanical species from which they are derived. Therefore, if you are purchasing an oil with an unknown botanical species, the expected properties of the oil may be different to the actual.
ABP always states and guarantees the botanical species when supplying essential oils – so quality and origin is always assured.