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The majority of the world’s vanilla supply comes from Madagascar. Cyclone Gamane has flooded fields and caused vanilla fruit to fall off the vine, sparking fears of an impending shortage.
The sweet-smelling orchid fruit is also cultivated in other tropical regions, including Indonesia, Mexico, Uganda and Tahiti. Its labor-intensive cultivation process, which requires hand pollination, harvesting and then aging for several months, makes it the second most expensive spice after saffron.
Vanilla suppliers and industry groups say suppliers should consider diversifying the origins of vanilla beans to avoid a cocoa-like crisis for the sweet flavouring.
“Government interventions, weather events and other unforeseen influences can all impact the vanilla supply chain,” Uganda Vanilla Exporters Association executive director Prossy Tumushabe said in a statement. “Sourcing vanilla from multiple origins can help food and beverage brands and chefs stabilize their supply and increase business flexibility.”
Uganda’s vanilla industry has positioned itself as an alternative to Madagascar, citing the similar flavour of Madagascar’s vanilla beans, as well as the country’s stable climate and government. Uganda can produce vanilla in two growing seasons, with a main harvest in the summer months plus a smaller harvest in January.
“Just like coffee, tea and chocolate, the soil in which vanilla is grown and how it is aged affect its flavor,” Craig Nielsen, vice president of sustainability at Nielsen Massey Vanilla Inc., said in an interview. “Geographically, Uganda is very close to Madagascar. [vanilla bean] The flavor profile is very similar to Madagascar, and to be honest, I like the Madagascar a little better. It adds a bit more chocolate flavor, warmth, and depth to the flavor, especially in ice cream.”
Tropical cyclone earlier this year Gamane The 2019 typhoon hit Madagascar, killing 18 people, forcing thousands to flee and destroying vanilla plantations. The market has been further destabilized by a supply glut over the past two years, and by Madagascar’s decision to introduce and then abandon a minimum price for vanilla beans. The recent harvest has also created a glut.
Nielsen said such fluctuations can create volatility and uncertainty for producers.
“We don’t have to be tied to Madagascar. There are other places, particularly in Uganda, that can match the quality and flavor of Madagascar and have a consistent and stable supply of product,” he said. “Uganda is a very good alternative, a second source of vanilla, and we just need to educate our customers on that and get them interested in trying it.”