Vanilla depends on thriving ecosystems, resilient farming communities and a value chain built for the future.

In Madagascar, our holistic sustainability program brings these dimensions together with two interconnected pillars: Resilient by Design and Inclusive by Nature.

From restoring landscapes and expanding renewable energy to diversifying farmer income and supporting young people, we turn sustainability into action at origin. For our customers, this means greater transparency, trusted quality and a more resilient vanilla supply chain. Discover how our sustainability program creates value from origin to product.

 

Other subcategories
Our unique sustainability approach
Vanilla Sustainability Wheel

Two pillars.

One connected approach.

 

Creating shared value - for farming communities and for our customers

Vanilla connects farming communities with customers around the world. Our program builds on that connection to create shared value, supporting communities at origin while helping customers source vanilla with confidence. We work to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, support healthier ecosystems and help communities explore opportunities beyond vanilla. For our customers, this means a more resilient vanilla supply, greater transparency and trusted quality, backed by credible action where vanilla grows.

Explore the examples below to see our program in action and discover how its different initiatives come together (status 2025).

Reforestation & tree nurseries

Protecting the ecosystem behind vanilla

The future of vanilla begins with the health of its ecosystem. Through reforestation initiatives, deforestation prevention and our journey towards net-zero carbon, we are helping protect Madagascar's unique natural resources for generations to come. 

Together with our local partners, we have established local tree nurseries designed to support reforestation and improve tree survival. Since 2018, more than 795,000 trees have been planted to restore landscapes around vanilla-growing communities.

Solar energy

Supporting innovation for a greener future

Innovation plays a key role in making vanilla production more sustainable. By installing solar panels at our sites in Benavony and Antalaha, as well as on farms in the vanilla-growing region, we are increasing the share of renewable electricity used across our activities.

The solar installations across our sites and farming network already contribute significantly to our energy needs, currently cover 51% of electricity consumption at the Benavony factory and 100% in Antalaha and the farms included in our program.

Income diversification

Building resilience beyond the vanilla harvest

Vanilla is harvested once a year, with volatile market prices making farmer income unpredictable. Through our diversification program, we help farmers create additional sources of revenue throughout the year and strengthen their long-term resilience.

This includes cash crops such as ginger, patchouli and vetiver, as well as food crops, poultry and beekeeping. Symrise also purchases selected cash crops, helping farmers reduce their dependence on a single annual harvest while creating greater economic stability.

Professional training

Investing in the next generation of vanilla farmers

A resilient vanilla value chain starts with people shaping its future. Together with Save the Children and Maisons Familial Rurals, we support young people in Madagascar by offering dedicated health insurance and agricultural training programs that create opportunities for the future.

Across five training centers, participants can develop skills in areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, poultry farming, tailoring and beekeeping – helping to build stronger communities and more resilient livelihoods.

Our holistic program contributes to protecting natural resources, strengthening communities and supporting a more resilient vanilla value chain. By connecting measurable action at origin with deep vanilla expertise, we help you create products that consumers can trust.

One program - shared value from origin to product. Let's shape the future of vanilla together!

 

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