A project to revive essential oil production in Abkhazia was presented at the Kavkaz.RF platform.
The company "ANRA" developed and presented in Moscow an initiative to create a biotechnological agrocluster based on Soviet traditions and preserved plant breeding material. The project aims to restore and develop essential oil production, organize product deliveries to the Russian market as part of import substitution, and strengthen Russian-Abkhaz economic cooperation.
The initiative draws on the legacy of the industry, the formation of which a century ago was associated with the scientific work of Academician N.I. Vavilov and the work of Abkhazia's leader, N.A. Lakoba. In 1926, scientists opened the first experimental station for essential oil production in Abkhazia.
The Republic's prized crops include rose geranium, eucalyptus, bay laurel, basil, cryptomeria, and goldenrod. The basket is complemented by large-flowered jasmine, iris, vetiver, juniper, mint, and citrus fruits—a total of over 150 industrially significant essential oil plants. The mountainous terrain, sea air, and limestone soils stimulate plants to produce maximum essential oils. World-famous crops not only thrived here, but also became improved varieties.
By the 1980s, the station met 70-80% of the USSR's demand for rare essential oils. In the 1990s, plantations and equipment were lost, and scientific ties were severed.
In 2026, the industry began to recover. Within ten months, the company "Aromatic Natural Plants of Abkhazia" was established. Today, production capacity allows for the production of up to one and a half tons of essential oils and hydrosols per month. More than 30 types of products have been developed, including cosmetics and special formulas for hotels and spas.
ANRA is developing its own plantations, collaborating with nine local suppliers, and already employs approximately 30–35 people. Particular attention is paid to innovation: a technology for extracting goldenrod oil has been developed, and work is underway on natural agricultural products.
"Our goal is to combine historical industry experience and modern technologies to create a sustainable production base. The biotech agrocluster is designed to ensure the production of in-demand products, create jobs, and expand industrial cooperation between Abkhazia and Russia," notes the management of ANRA LLC.
Plans include introducing advanced processing, expanding the range of ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry, and further developing land for agricultural use. The company is also actively involved in the development of tourism, offering tours of the production facility and even aromatic retreats in Ochamchire, where the plant is located.
Following the presentation, Kavkaz.RF expressed its willingness to support the initiative and begin developing mechanisms for financial cooperation with ANRA.