OVERVIEW: The 2025 mint crop year was characterized as generally average across the country. An early, warm spring was followed by cooler summer temperatures out west and wetter than average conditions in the Midwest area. Idaho experienced minor winter kill, while Washington’s below normal snowpack resulted in water restrictions during the growing season. Overall, most regions reported average or slightly below average yields. A rise in future contracting for all mint types is a direct result of expected tight supply. Scotch Spearmint will be in limited supply again, until production catches up with demand. There is a shortage of high-quality root stock in the Pacific Northwest, which will limit supply for new and replacement acres next year and is likely to keep pricing firm. Spot purchasing of Peppermint was very active during harvest and there will be very little unsold oil for both Peppermint and Scotch Spearmint over the winter.

COMPETING CROPS AND MARKET CONDITIONS: The increase in demand for mint oil, paired with previously identified supply limitations for 2025, will further tighten the market. Rebounding markets and end user purchasing are increasing. Peppermint quickly became in tight supply late spring as almost all unsold Peppermint was purchased by June. The supply will remain extremely tight over the next year. Peppermint is a very competitive crop right now as most other commodities remain weak and over supplied. Based on Native Spearmint analysis, this market has gone up in price due to increasing demand and lower salability set by the Farwest Marketing Order. It is important to note that contracting of Farwest Native Spearmint for next year is over half the allotted amount of the salable for 2026 crop, which is significantly higher than previous years at this time. The Farwest Marketing Order has set the Native salable at 43% for the 2026 crop year, which is an increase from last year and should help meet the increasing demand. For Scotch Spearmint, there have been a few thousand additional acres planted across the regions this spring, but supply has not yet met demand, therefore keeping prices high and supply tight. Farmers remain positive about the outlook for growing mint, as prices are competitive and competing crops are weak. Import tariffs on foreign mint oil could also impact purchasing and pricing this next year.

Mint Growing Areas – Fall Summary

Midwest
The Midwest growing regions experienced a warm start to the season; however, as harvest approached, increased rainfall created challenges to get harvest completed and, in some areas, negatively affected the yields and crop quality. Most areas reported below-average yields, making it difficult for some growers to fulfill their contracts. Peppermint acreage has increased slightly, while Spearmint remains flat. With corn and soybean prices remaining weak, mint oil is becoming an increasingly attractive crop, suggesting the region could see an expansion in planted acres next year.

Oregon
Willamette Valley experienced an average growing season, with no rainfall after April prompting an early start to irrigation. The fields looked great all year with little disease and insect pressure; however, yields ultimately came in below average for some unexplained reason. Peppermint acreage in this region is expected to increase next year in response to stronger demand.

Idaho
Idaho experienced an average season with adequate water supply, though conditions were slightly cooler than normal. Oil yields ranged from average to below-average, likely due to aging fields as well as wilt and mite pressure. Many new fields will be planted this fall to replace and increase production. However, sourcing quality roots is becoming a limiting factor in this area, as the region’s primary rootstock producer is running out of clean ground. This could present significant challenges in coming years, making early planning critical.

Washington
The main growing area, the Yakima region, faced poor water supply this season due to below average snowpack. This led to water restrictions in this area. The first cutting produced strong yields; however, the second cutting came in below average for Spearmints, leading to an average overall harvest, likely due to lack of water. Despite the challenges, oil quality was generally good.

Canada
The Southern Alberta growing areas experienced a warm start to the growing season, but cooler temperatures and late season rains delayed harvest by roughly ten days. However, the harvest ended with average yields. This growing region continues to expand acreage of Scotch Spearmint as demand grows, and competitive crops lack comparable returns.

Conclusion:
The North American mint industry remains strong, supported by increased market demand, rising prices, and limited competitive crops lacking, all of which are motivating growers to expand mint production. We expect to see an increase in Peppermint and Scotch Spearmint acreage, while Native Spearmint should remain steady. Peppermints and Scotch Spearmint will remain in tight supply into next year. Growers are demanding the need for improved pricing, due to their increased costs of fertilizer, land rent, equipment, and labor. Accurate forecasting and forward contracting will be essential to securing pricing for end-users.
India continues to be the major competitor to North American mint oils, but the recent tariffs have slowed imports into the U.S. Ongoing systemic issues of adulteration with isolates and synthetics, pesticide residues, phthalate contamination, and other quality issues, along with lack of traceability continue to provide challenges to users.
Regulatory requirements and the associated compliance costs continue to rise throughout the supply chain, increasingly influencing the final pricing for end users and manufacturers.
We are always available to answer any questions and help you and your company navigate the market conditions for favorable results.

RCB International, Ltd. 39878 Turnidge Rd