Map of Vanilla Producers

Vanilla, a precious and highly prized spice, is mainly grown in hot, humid tropical regions. Vanilla thrives in latitudes between 25°N and 25°S, where annual rainfall is around 2,000 mm. It can grow well at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters, provided that temperatures vary between 20 and 30°C. Various countries, each with its own specificities and challenges, contribute to the world’s vanilla production.

Madagascar produces 80% of the world’s vanilla, mainly the Planifolia variety. The country maintains a stable position with a full range of qualities, thanks to harvesting practices that respect pod maturity. However, the widespread use of vacuum bags, which preserve moisture and thus weight, is to the detriment of quality.

Indonesia also grows Planifolia vanilla. As a long-standing competitor, its scattered plantations and complicated distribution channels struggle to sustain the low prices imposed by Malagasy competition. Recent high prices have enabled Indonesia to revive production, but this has been hampered by the collapse in prices.

Papua New Guinea supplies half of Indonesia’s vanilla exports, mainly from the Sepik province. Production is growing, with prices compatible with those in Madagascar. Production includes the Planifolia and Tahitensis varieties, often blended.

Uganda produces Planifolia vanilla with two harvests a year, ensuring a permanent presence on the markets. Although production has picked up with the high prices of recent years, current prices are not keeping pace.

The Comoros enjoy a highly appreciated aroma, but production has not regained the success of twenty years ago.

India had developed a substantial vanilla crop during the high prices of the early part of the millennium, but this production has been largely abandoned, except to supply domestic consumption.

French Polynesia produces very high quality Tahitensis vanilla in small quantities. Their flowery, aniseed-flavored aroma is much sought-after, especially by ice-cream makers.

Other small-scale producers: Countries such as Mexico, Tonga, Tanzania and some Latin American countries continue to produce vanilla, but with limited success due to speculative market fluctuations.