Clove Leaf Oil Eugenia caryophyllata Harvest: August - October

The typhoon Ava hit the North East coast of Madagascar in January, leading to colossal infrastructural damage in Tamatave (Toamasina). Fortunately, vital areas for clove production were saved from the brunt of the storm; however, farmers now confront the mammoth problem of transportation to the port.

 

The scene looks bleak since farmers have turned their attention away from clove oil to clove spice and vanilla, which yield better returns. If current prices hold, they will be reluctant to return to distillation. Consequently, clove leaf distillation, which was expected to resume towards the end of February or the beginning March, is now delayed until March/April.