Sustainable Vanilla from Madagascar

Our sustainable „Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar” program

We use precious bourbon vanilla beans from Madagascar, which stand for first class quality and purity.

Currently, we source the majority of our vanilla from two suppliers. Both are committed to sustainable vanilla cultivation by supporting small cooperatives of farming families with training and agronomic education.

We also started our own cultivation program in the Sava region in northern Madagascar in 2019. In the three villages of Marofototra, Marofinatra and Andranalingoza, we maintain direct contact with the farming families - this means that the supply chain is absolutely transparent for us and we can guarantee the procurement of high-quality vanilla. However, our commitment in Madagascar goes far beyond the simple business relationship.

Local community

• Besides investing in new vanilla plantations, we have provided the region with water wells and sanitation facilities. • Through the cooperation with ADES (Association pour le Développment de l'Energie Solaire Suisse-Madagascar), we have equipped the approximately 700 families in the three villages with solar stoves. This saves a large amount of wood and charcoal - protecting the climate, biodiversity, people's health and making an important contribution to fighting poverty. • Training on environmental protection and rainforest conservation is offered to residents of the region. Environmentally friendly behavior such as cleaning rivers or collecting trash is additionally rewarded. Women in particular can earn an additional income this way.

Our commitment

In 2021, we sourced approximately 10% of our total vanilla needs through our sustainability project in Madagascar. By 2030 100% of our needs will be met through the program. Our own vanilla production: In Mananjary, a region on the east coast of Madagascar, Loacker is now becoming a vanilla producer itself. Loacker has purchased an approximately five-hectare plot of land there, for the extension and construction of the necessary infrastructure. The aim of this new venture is to build up the company's own vanilla production, which should cover Loacker's entire vanilla requirements in a few years' time. By doing so, we also create secure jobs for residents.