Which countries produce true lavender, spike lavender, and lavandin?

The Global Expansion of Lavender and Lavandin Cultivation

The cultivation of lavender and lavandin has become more widespread and is no longer exclusive to the Provence region. Several countries excel in growing Lavandula, and we present them in this article.

Key Lavender-Producing Countries

Bulgaria

Since 2014, Bulgaria has become the world's leading producer of lavender (various species), surpassing France, which had long held the top spot. According to Le Figaro, the country harvests up to 300 kg of lavender per day. Bulgaria exports more than 65% of its lavender production, with nearly 250 tons of lavender essential oil produced annually.

The growing global demand and the rising price of lavender (€90 per kilogram) are encouraging the development of the industry in several countries.

France

In 2008, France had over 18,000 hectares of cultivated lavender, a figure that surpassed 22,000 hectares by 2016. Lavender fields are primarily located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Drôme, and Vaucluse regions. France has more than 2,500 lavender and lavandin producers and benefits from multiple designations, including PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels, to protect its unique terroir.

China

China has been cultivating lavender since 1960. The Ili River Valley in the Xinjiang region is home to most of the country's lavender production. Chinese growers cultivate over 8,000 hectares of lavender, securing a 12% share of the global market, making China the third-largest producer after France. Chinese producers aim to expand production to meet the growing demand of the cosmetics industry.

Spain

Spain is the world's leading producer of Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender), with a production of less than 10 tons in 2013. Additionally, Spain is the second-largest lavandin producer, behind France, with an annual output of 80 tons. Spanish producers cultivate around 2,000 hectares of lavender to keep up with increasing global demand.

Ukraine

Ukraine cultivates over 1,500 hectares of lavender fields. As one of the major producers, Ukraine reached a production of 11 tons in 2009. The regions of Bakhchysarai, Simferopol, and the Crimean Peninsula are the main cultivation areas. Ukrainian lavender production serves both local and international markets.

Moldova

With 1,400 hectares dedicated to lavender, Moldova’s lavender industry has been experiencing a revival after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Moldovan producers aim to meet local demand and projected a production of 20 tons of lavender oil by 2021. The country exports nearly all its lavender oil to Bulgaria, Germany, and France. However, according to the UNDP, Moldovan production suffered a 35% to 50% decline in 2020 compared to 2019.

Other Lavender-Producing Countries

Alongside these major producers, other countries cultivate lavender on a smaller scale. These include Morocco (1,000 hectares), the United Kingdom (200 hectares), Italy (150 hectares), and New Zealand.

Terre Ugo's Contribution

At Terre Ugo, we contribute to organic lavandin cultivation in Provence. Our lavender fields add 30,000 plants to France’s lavandin production, a modest but meaningful contribution of 3 hectares to the figures presented in this article.

You can find our lavender-based products in our online store.