Valensa Projects Poor 2007 Saw Palmetto Harvest

EUSTIS, Fla.Company officials at Valensa International LLC completed a pre-harvest and ongoing harvest evaluation, finding the outlook for the 2007 saw palmetto crop to be poor. In early August, Valensa issued a memorandum to customers citing a summer drought and the harvesting of unripe berries for the decrease in availability of nutraceutical-quality saw palmetto raw materials for the harvest season running from late August through October. Valensa issued price increases for nutraceutical-quality saw palmetto extract of 20 percent to 30 percent, depending on contractual situations.

Rudi E. Moerck, president of Valensa, stated: While the dry conditions in this region in the early spring resulted in an extensive bloom of saw palmetto berry blossoms, the continuing drought in the Southeastern United States has caused a significant drop and loss of berries, and the corresponding reduction of the size of the berries that remain on the plants compared to previous years. This looks like a marginal to poor year for the availability of good saw palmetto berries. Moerck added early harvesting of unripe berries may further limit availability of quality extract, as immature berries yield lower oil content and active constituents. Valensa is also offering free testing of saw palmetto to any suppliers or manufacturers to ensure the quality of the extract material.

For more information, visit www.Valensa.com or Booth #16037 at SupplySide West.