IFF Flavor Focus: Vanilla - Making Vanilla Affordable and Sustainable

Vanilla, a widely beloved flavor in various food applications, faces challenges related to cost and availability due to fluctuating prices and supply chain complexities. With over a century of industry leadership, expertise in vanilla and our RE-MASTER VANILLA™ innovation program, we are pioneering diverse processing and extraction practices, allowing us to create unique flavor profiles. Uncover our 6 pillar approach to accessibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of vanilla below. 

  Optimized Sourcing: 

With Madagascar accounting for 85% of global vanilla production, we recognize the need to diversify vanilla sourcing. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations with farmers in Eastern Africa and Indonesia, IFF aims to replicate the unique flavor profiles found in Madagascar vanilla, ensuring a more stable supply from alternative origins. These efforts contribute to a more robust and diversified vanilla supply chain.

  Advanced Extraction Processes:

IFF's commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in our research and development of advanced extraction processes for vanilla. By investing in high-intensity extraction techniques, we reduce costs, solvent usage and energy consumption all while preserving the desired flavor characteristics. These innovative processes allow us to provide sustainable and cost-effective vanilla extracts and natural flavor systems that meet the highest standards.

  In-depth Understanding and Customization: 

IFF's expertise in the field of vanilla allows us to have an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence flavor profiles. By analyzing bean quality, extraction processes, and customer requirements, we can identify the optimal cost-in-use vanilla extract or natural flavor system for each unique application. This level of customization ensures that our customers receive tailored solutions that perfectly match their specific needs.

  Proactive Supply Chain Management: 

In an ever-changing market environment, proactive supply chain management is crucial to ensure consistent availability of vanilla products. IFF's proactive approach, including diversification strategies and process improvements, enables us to navigate supply chain disruptions effectively. By minimizing the impact of market fluctuations and anticipating potential challenges, we prioritize the seamless delivery of high-quality vanilla products to our customers.

  Collaboration and Market Insights: 

At IFF, collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We actively engage with industry stakeholders and customers to understand their specific needs and concerns. By fostering collaborative partnerships, we can explore alternative flavor options and formulation approaches, ensuring the satisfaction of our customers. Additionally, our Quarterly Vanilla Market Report provides valuable market insights, including information on growing regions, pricing trends, and supply developments, empowering informed decision-making.

  Future-proofing Vanilla: 

Our commitment to the long-term sustainability of the vanilla industry is evident in our ongoing research and development efforts. We continue to explore the impact of different vanilla varietals on flavor profiles under various growing conditions. Additionally, our investigations into controlled greenhouse cultivation offer potential solutions to ensure a sustainable and reliable supply of high-quality vanilla beans. These forward-thinking initiatives contribute to the future-proofing of the vanilla industry.