The Italian market for aromatic and medicinal herbs used in cooking, teas and herbal teas, liqueurs, and body care products is worth nearly one billion euros. However, strictly Italian agricultural production is only 150 million hectares (4 thousand tons of product on over 7,300 hectares), leaving room for growth. The historical presence of some big players of the weight of Cannamela (Montenegro group, as well as the Bonomelli chamomile), Aboca, and Star group ("Sogni d'oro" the best known label) demonstrates the sector's high interest. Investment funds are also paying attention to the sector. The most recent transaction occurred a week ago, when Clessidra private equity Sgr acquired Everton, an Alessandria-based company with a $40 million annual revenue that manufactures teas, herbal teas, and infusions and has plants in Italy, India, and Croatia, as well as a branch in the United States. In Italy, the sector has expanded rapidly, spawning new communities in Piedmont, the Upper Tiber Valley, Calabria, inland Sicily, and northern Sardinia. The main products are lavender, mint, passionflower, and liqueur plants, as well as citrus essential oils.