Agriculture

A small family-owned agricultural producer from Bulgaria cultivates ogranic saffron in ecologically clean mountain soil. The farm has been operating for over eight years, following traditional, sustainable, and manual production methods. All production stages (planting, harvesting, sorting, and drying) are carried out by hand. This ensures careful handling of the delicate flowers /stigmas and maintains consistent quality. No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or growth stimulants are used. The cultivation process fully aligns with organic farming principles. The saffron is certified as first quality (Category 1) by an accredited French laboratory (LAHN), based on ISO 3632 parameters: crocin (coloring strength), picrocrocin (flavour), and safranal (aroma). It has been used by chefs and restaurants in Austria and Bulgaria, as well as in small-scale artisanal products, including limited-edition chocolates. Annual production is intentionally limited to ensure full traceability and careful handling throughout all stages. The farm has the internal capacity to scale up production in response to business demand, maintaining consistent quality and sustainable practices. For significantly larger orders, the company can rely on established regional partners to ensure supply. The farm also organizes small workshops and thematic visits focused on saffron harvesting and processing, along with complementary events such as sessions with perfumers inspired by saffron for fragrance development, which have sparked interest among international audiences as well. The company is seeking partnerships in the agri-food (e.g. gourmet food), natural cosmetics, and wellness sectors, as well as joint R&D cooperation to explore new saffron-based applications, such as nutraceuticals, aromatherapy, and natural health products. Advantages and innovations The main advantages of the farm are as follows: - Production is fully manual (hand-processed) and traceable, ensuring precise control at each stage and minimizing any risk of damage to the delicate saffron threads. - The product is grown in chemical-free mountain soil, fully in line with organic farming principles and ensuring minimal environmental impact. - Certified as premium (Category 1) saffron according to ISO 3632 standards (crocin, picrocrocin, safranal), guaranteeing consistent color, flavour, and aroma. - Limited annual production ensures complete traceability, rigorous quality control, and product consistency. - Successfully used in culinary and artisanal products, demonstrating suitability as a raw material for high-value applications. - Flexible and responsive team, quickly adapting to partners’ needs and ensuring efficient cooperation. - Open to commercial, supplier, and R&D cooperation for distribution, co-branding, and the development of new saffron-based products and applications. Expected role of a partner The company is seeking supplier and commercial partnerships with organisations that share its values of quality, authenticity, and sustainable production. Type of partner sought: - Distributors, importers, and retailers of natural food products interested in introducing premium Bulgarian saffron to their markets. - Food producers and manufacturers looking to incorporate saffron as a natural ingredient in confectionery, beverages, sauces, or bakery items. - Companies in the cosmetics, aromatherapy, and wellness sectors seeking natural ingredients for creams, perfumes, or supplements. - Research organisations and SMEs interested in developing or exploring saffron-based applications. Samples can be provided upon request. Role of partner: - Under a supplier agreement, partners will acquire saffron as a raw material or ingredient for their own production processes, maintaining transparency and traceability. - Under a commercial agreement, partners will distribute or promote the company’s saffron within their local or international markets, or collaborate on co-branding activities.