Lavender Lavender (BulgariaFrance)

Why Bulgaria, France, Albania, and China?

doTERRA sources Lavender essential oil from Bulgaria, France, Albania, and China to create a uniquely balanced blend. Each origin contributes distinct aromatic properties and potent chemistry, with Bulgarian lavender as the primary component. Together, they produce a signature scent and chemical profile that’s both effective and hard to replicate. Every batch undergoes our rigorous CPTG® (Certified Pure Tested Grade) testing to support purity, potency, and consistency.

The story of doTERRA Lavender begins in four distinct countries—each contributing its own beauty, chemistry, and tradition. In Bulgaria, rows of lavender stretch across fertile soil, where a dry, sunny climate encourages growth. This region is the heart of our blend, supported by Co-Impact Sourcing partnerships with local farmers near Esseterre, a doTERRA-owned distillation facility.

Carrying On the Tradition of Lavender in Bulgaria with Esseterre

One source of lavender in doTERRA’s Lavender essential oil comes from Bulgaria, a country with a rich legacy of essential oil research, development, and production. Though by 2024, essential oils like lavender and rose occupy just 1% of Bulgaria’s arable land, local farmers have cultivated this aromatic herb for generations. Today, the essential oil market in Bulgaria is thriving—driven by the dedication of these farmers and the cutting-edge facilities such as Esseterre.

Lavender typically grows best in lighter, sandier soils, yet it thrives in Bulgaria’s fertile land without the need for irrigation. It requires strong summer sun to yield high-quality oil. Farmers propagate certified lavender varieties in nurseries and plant them in late October. The first year yields little to no oil, but by the second year, the plants begin producing significantly. Lavender is harvested from late June to late July, with the highest oil quality and quantity occurring after the vibrant color fades under the summer heat. Plants regrow annually and are typically replanted every 8–10 years, with crop rotation used to rejuvenate the soil.

This deep legacy of botanical expertise inspired doTERRA to establish the Esseterre facility in Dobrich, Bulgaria. Though Esseterre is owned by doTERRA, it is a Bulgarian firm built and managed by Bulgarians. Expert managers, distillers, farmers, and engineers combine their skills with a shared commitment to positively impact their communities.

After harvest, lavender is delivered directly to Esseterre’s distillation facility. Trucks line up with heaps of lavender, which are weighed, unloaded, and manually loaded into one of 37 distillation stills. The steam distillation process takes about 1 to 1.5 hours per batch, and during the harvest season, the facility operates 24 hours a day to ensure timely processing and maintain oil quality. On average, lavender yields about 1% oil—meaning 1,000 kilograms of raw material produces roughly 10 kilograms of essential oil. It takes approximately 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of raw material to produce a single 15 mL bottle of Lavender essential oil.

To support this intense seasonal work, Esseterre opens temporary job positions, increasing employment opportunities for local community members. In 2025, Esseterre worked with farmers from 26 lavender farms within a small radius of Dobrich, completing the entire annual lavender production in just 3–4 weeks.

Esseterre’s on-site laboratory includes a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) machine, allowing for rapid quality testing. Farmers can observe the distillation process and receive timely confirmation of oil quality, which supports transparent and prompt payment. The facility employs over 80 people and also produces Melissa, Blue Yarrow, Savoury, Frankincense, and Myrrh essential oils. Its extensive grounds allow for ongoing research and trials to explore new crops and oils for the future.

Honoring a Legacy of Lavender in France

France’s lavender fields, especially in regions like Provence, have long set the global standard for quality and craftsmanship. With a history dating back to 600 B.C., French lavender farming blends ancient tradition with modern expertise, producing oil with a classic, floral aroma that anchors the global identity of lavender.

Europe has a significant history of essential oil production and use. Though doTERRA’s lavender is a blend of origins, France remains a vital contributor to the blend’s complexity. The French component adds depth and heritage, supporting doTERRA’s commitment to source where community production of a plant thrives.

In this historic region, our sourcing partner collaborates with groups of farmers and distillers through a cooperative model—an approach that reflects doTERRA’s broader Co-Impact Sourcing strategy. This model empowers producers by enhancing collective bargaining power and promoting ethical, sustainable practices.

Lavender Harvests Rooted in Community: Albania’s Summer Rhythm

Albania’s rocky hillsides and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for growing lavender with a robust, earthy aroma. Local farmers, many of whom have cultivated aromatic plants for generations, harvest lavender during the dry summer months when oil content is at its peak.

In the northern reaches of Albania, near the city of Shkodra and the majestic Albanian Alps, Bulgarian lavender flourishes in rocky, well-drained soil. Lavender thrives here precisely because the terrain prevents overwatering, which can damage the crop. Though Albania is better known for its helichrysum, the same sourcing partner also grows and distills lavender, laurel leaf, and juniper berry, contributing to doTERRA’s diverse essential oil portfolio. Here, farmers cultivate lavender across 80 hectares of land, where the summer harvest is more than a season—it’s a celebration of tradition, collaboration, and care.

The distillation facility in Shkodra hums to life each summer with 12 stills, custom-built by the same manufacturer as those at Esseterre, but with thoughtful adjustments tailored to the local environment. During harvest, the site becomes a vibrant hub of activity. Ten on-site apartments house seasonal workers—many of whom are family and close friends—while a cheerful cafeteria provides daily meals, fueling long days of distillation with warmth and camaraderie.

Lavender is distilled within two hours of harvest, preserving its aromatic integrity and therapeutic value. But the heart of this operation lies in its people. Our sourcing partner has built a well-structured supply chain with local farmers, many of whom receive lavender seedlings free of charge. This gesture reflects a deeper ethos: one of empowerment, trust, and shared purpose.

Farmers are supported not just with resources, but with relationships. Our sourcing partner walks alongside them—offering guidance, training, and encouragement throughout the growing season. It’s a model rooted in dignity and sustainability, where every drum of oil carries the story of a community working together to cultivate something beautiful.

Cultivating Lavender with Care in China’s Mountain Meadows

In the meadows of Shaanxi Province, Chinese lavender thrives in cool, breezy conditions at low altitudes of 300 to 500 meters, shaping its unique aromatic profile. This lavender lends a soft, airy lift to doTERRA’s Lavender blend—an ethereal note that’s difficult to replicate and deeply valued for its unique contribution.

The story of lavender in China began over 60 years ago, when varieties were introduced from France and carefully cultivated across generations. In a remarkable chapter of agricultural innovation, seedlings were even taken into space to optimize their resilience and quality. Today, Chinese lavender is renowned worldwide for its distinctive fragrance and purity.

Lavender in Shaanxi is grown on land rented from the local government, a model that allows for long-term cultivation and expansion. doTERRA partners with rural cooperatives that manage the land and hire farmers to plant and harvest. These cooperatives receive 50% of their payment upfront, easing the financial burden of seasonal farming and enabling growers to invest in their land, equipment, and communities. The lavender base also serves as a study site, welcoming students to visit and learn—further embedding the crop in the region’s educational and cultural landscape.

The sourcing operation in Shaanxi is built on relationships. Local growers and distillers work closely with our sourcing partner under Co-Impact Sourcing principles, ensuring that quality and sustainability go hand in hand. Farmers are supported not just with resources, but with trust and shared purpose—growing lavender that carries the story of a rising tradition rooted in care.

As the summer harvest unfolds, the fields come alive with movement and scent. Lavender is gathered and distilled with precision at a local facility, preserving its delicate chemistry and capturing the essence of the land. It’s a process that reflects doTERRA’s global sourcing ethos: honoring local expertise, investing in communities, and creating oils that are as meaningful as they are pure.

Co-Impact Sourcing Stories Hear from our partner Lavender farmers in Bulgaria

I have been farming since 2006, when I joined a program for new farmers by growing 3.4 hectares of lavender. Since then, my lavender fields have grown using more sustainable farming practices. I then decided to sell my lavender to Esseterre in 2016 and continue to this day. They are a great partner for me, showing dedication and commitment. Thanks to them, I can plan for the future and further develop my farming operation.

–Rumen

“I have been growing lavender since 2008. I started with a small plot of 1.6 hectares. Before I started working with Esseterre in 2016, the lavender market was very unstable. After our partnership began, I could plan ahead and work calmly. A team of professionals makes sure that everything is perfect during the lavender harvest.”

–Plamen

“I have been farming lavender for 16 years and have been working with Esseterre for the last 9 years.

I choose to work with Esseterre because they are very honest and fair to us. We have never had any problems with harvesting and selling them the crop.

This is the company I prefer and who I want to work with.”

–Stanimir

Supporting Local Jobs in Bulgaria

The establishment of Esseterre has contributed, along with the growing essential oil market, to the ongoing rural economic dynamism of the Dobrich region. It has brought a multi-million investment and additional jobs to rural communities.

More and more farmers are choosing to work with Esseterre, drawn by the facility’s advanced equipment, innovative technology, and strong reputation for fairness and reliability. This growing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and mutual success. Esseterre consistently provides timely payments to contracted farmers, further strengthening relationships with lavender producers.

Esseterre has also recruited skilled business professionals that manage the entire facility and operation, with expert engineers and scientists to produce the highest quality essential oils.

You can visit and see for yourself: https://www.sourcingtrips.doterra.com/

Philanthropy in Bulgaria

The success of Esseterre has done more than bolster an already thriving lavender industry in Bulgaria—it has also supported significant opportunities for local communities. Beyond the fields, Esseterre is deeply committed to social responsibility, as demonstrated by its support for initiatives like the Step by Step program, which offers mentorship and guidance to vulnerable children in the region.

Since 2016, dōTERRA Healing Hands has funded 49 philanthropic projects in Bulgaria, a number that continues to grow. One of the foundation’s earliest efforts was a partnership with the Mothers’ Care Club, providing scholarships to orphaned and vulnerable children in the Dobrich area. In addition, dōTERRA Healing Hands has supported infrastructure projects, including improvements to local primary and secondary schools in Dobrich.

The foundation’s impact extends to a wide range of community projects, such as youth mentorship, scholarships, playground development, and medical facility enhancements.

After the opening of the Esseterre distillery, the children of Dobrich wrote to the mayor requesting places to play. In response, the municipality quickly began plans for two playgrounds—one for children aged 6 and under, and one for children aged 3 to 12—located just a few blocks from Esseterre. In 2018, dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation contributed funding to the construction of these playgrounds, which are now completed and available to all 80,000 residents of Dobrich.

Together, Esseterre and dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation have partnered to provide crucial support to organizations in Dobrich and Shipka. As of August 2024, over $900,000 has been donated to philanthropic projects across Bulgaria, improving lives and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Step by Step Program: Empowering Dobrich’s Youth

In the heart of Dobrich, Step by Step is making a profound difference in the lives of children from vulnerable families. With a deep commitment to fostering dignity and empowerment, Step by Step’s goal is to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive and develop into confident, capable young adults. The program started in 2018, as a mentorship program for children and youth in children’s residential centers. Initiated by Esseterre employees in Bulgaria and with the help of dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, the mentors and the volunteers participating in the program organized group meetings, online meetings, individual meetings, workshops, and educational outings to help cover the needs of the children with their school tasks and social development.

The program offers a variety of enriching activities, including cooking, homework assistance, career guidance, outdoor sports, training camps, and educational trips, all designed to provide these children with the tools they need for a brighter future. This program is important for this social group and its goal is to help the participants to enter society with self-confidence and motivation. 

Examples of soft skills taught to the children are communication, teamwork, participation, personal hygiene, health habits while also teaching computer skills, grammar, literacy, mathematics, professional opportunities and more.

In 2025, Step by Step reached 42 children without parental guardianship, along with at least 30 children from vulnerable families, all of whom were students at the school in the village of Pobeda. Since the program’s inception, it has directly supported nearly 90 children without parental guardianship. In a heartening shift, 46 of these children have transitioned out of the children’s residential centers, either due to adoption, returning to families, or reaching adulthood. These individuals are helped in their journey toward independence and stability by the robust learning programs of Step by Step. Overall, the project has benefited more than 100 children and youths, each one a testament to the program’s profound impact.

While the direct beneficiaries are clear, the ripple effects of the program extend far beyond the children. The broader community, including mayors and deputy mayors from the Municipality of Dobrich, as well as managers, social workers, and caregivers from local children’s residential centers, have been deeply influenced by the positive changes brought about by Step by Step. The program has also forged relationships with experts from the Regional Education Department, the school principal and mediators at the Pobeda school, local business representatives, and the Regional Labor Office. Permanent volunteers and their families, alongside one-time volunteers from universities, have all contributed their time and energy to this inspiring cause.

Step by Step’s work has helped create spaces where vulnerable children are not only supported but also embraced as active members of their communities—strengthening empathy, inclusion, and shared growth for everyone involved.

In the early years of the program, dōTERRA was the sole organization funding the work of Step by Step. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of the program’s success even as Step by Step’s success has attracted additional funding, including a €1,500 grant from the Municipality of Dobrich. This funding supported a project titled “For Crafts and Children,” which offered 13 workshops in traditional skills, such as leatherworking, soap-making, and pottery. The children’s handmade products were sold at a charity bazaar, raising funds for future activities, including a boot camp and educational trip in 2025.

The fruits of these workshops were showcased at a charity bazaar, where the children’s handmade products were sold, helping to raise vital funds for an upcoming boot camp and trip in 2025. This new initiative will allow the children to engage in further educational and recreational activities that will nurture their growth and self-confidence.

Stories:

Woman, 21 years old. V. has been part of the mentoring program since its inception in 2018. Over the years, we have worked together on skills essential for a dignified independent life—communication and digital skills, job searching and application skills, among others. She also participated in a girls’ camp in 2019. Currently, V. has not lived in a family-type care center for more than 2 years. After leaving the care, she was directed to a transitional institution, and now she lives independently in municipal housing. To us, she is an example of a successful young person because she completed her secondary education successfully, has been working under a formal employment contract since leaving the center, and manages to cope with many challenges of adult life.

Man, 22 years old. S. has been part of the program since its establishment in 2018. Together, we worked on improving his social and digital skills during the COVID pandemic, as well as on successful professional orientation. Although S. faced difficulties in communication and socialization, today he is a young man who successfully completed his secondary education, works with regulated employment contracts, and has successfully socialized in various social circles—both work-related and personal.

Transforming Healing Spaces: The Firefly Project in Karnobat and Dobrich, Bulgaria

Additionally, in 2024, the Healing Hands Foundation sponsored the renovation of two pediatric units in hospitals in Bulgaria as part of the “Firefly” project. This initiative, led by the “For The Good” Foundation, focused on transforming hospital environments for children, creating warm, friendly, and healing spaces. The goal was to replace clinical, intimidating environments with soothing atmospheres that felt more like home. The renovations, including better lighting, furniture, and vibrant artwork, provide a more nurturing atmosphere for young patients, their families, and medical personnel, including at a hospital near the lavender-growing region. This hospital serves over 8 municipalities and sees 1,800 children for treatment in the pediatric unit. Through effective collaboration, the Firefly project successfully improved the hospital experience for young patients in the Karnobat and Dobrich hospitals.

As Esseterre continues to grow, its impact on the people of Dobrich only deepens. From cultivating lavender to nurturing the next generation through playgrounds, hospitals, and the Step by Step program, the partnership between farming and philanthropy is helping create a brighter future for Bulgaria’s most vulnerable communities. With each step forward, this program proves that when communities come together with compassion and support, transformation is possible.

Supporting Community Growth in Albania

In northern Albania, sourcing partner Emiland and his family have built more than a lavender operation—they’ve cultivated a community. Their investment in Albania reflects a deep commitment to social impact, sustainability, and rural development.

Through long-term, five-year agreements, local farmers are shielded from market volatility and supported with consistent guidance. Dedicated field supporters regularly visit farmers, helping them navigate government programs and maintain high standards through soil testing and quality checks.

doTERRA Healing Hands has also contributed to the region, renovating five schools and building a new one in 2018. After the devastating 2019 earthquake, the foundation provided emergency housing, supplies, and medical care to hundreds of affected families, reinforcing a shared commitment to resilience and recovery.

Together, these efforts reflect a sourcing model rooted in dignity, stability, and shared purpose—where lavender is grown alongside hope and opportunity.