Madagascar · Sava Region
Vanilla planifolia thrives on the volcanic soils of north-eastern Madagascar. We work directly with cooperatives, with no intermediary.
The Sava region — Sambava, Antalaha, Vohémar, Andapa — concentrates more than 80% of global Bourbon vanilla production. Its tropical microclimate, regular rainfall and basaltic soils create unique conditions that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Altitude ranges from 0 to 1,200 metres depending on the plot. Pods grown at altitude develop a more pronounced aromatic concentration, a signature found in our Gourmet grade.
A climbing orchid native to Mexico, naturalised in Madagascar in the 19th century. Its manual pollination — introduced by Edmond Albius in 1841 — remains unchanged to this day.
Each flower opens for a single morning. The farmer has just a few hours to carry out pollination with a bamboo stick. This constraint explains the labour intensity and the value of vanilla.
Green pods are harvested between July and November, before full ripeness, to halt natural fermentation. Lot SV-254 from the 2025 harvest was selected in September.
3-minute immersion in water at 65°C, then 8 to 10 days of sweating under blankets. This phase develops the vanillin and turns the pods to their characteristic black.
Gradual shade-drying — the pods lose 75% of their water weight. Gourmet grade is defined at 30–35% residual moisture, ensuring suppleness and aromatic concentration.
Only pods measuring 16 to 18 cm, free of cracks or blemishes, are retained for the Gourmet grade. The remainder goes towards caviar or powder.
On arrival, each lot is inspected: moisture content, calibre, visual appearance. Lot references (SV-254) enable complete traceability from the plot to shipment.
"Vanilla does not forgive haste. It demands attention, every morning, throughout the year."
Each lot corresponds to a cooperative and a precise geographic zone in the Sava. Lot SV-254 is linked to the 2025 Sambava harvest.
Moisture measured on receipt (30–35% for Gourmet grade). Calibre verified pod by pod. Non-conforming lots rejected immediately.
Every order is accompanied by its lot sheet: reference, harvest, calibre, moisture content, dispatch date.
