09.09.13
Brooklyn, NY-based flavor company Virginia Dare has established a broad partnership with one of Madagascar’s most experienced vanilla exporters, Soarary, a family owned company led by Georges Randriamiharisoa, who has more than 30 years of experience in vanilla purchasing, curing and exporting. According to the company, because so much of the world’s vanilla production comes from this country, local operations in Madagascar will strengthen Virginia Dare’s ability to ensure the availability, quality and consistency of its vanilla extracts and flavors during periods of market instability and supply shortages. Its decision to establish a presence in the largest producing country in the world is both market driven and pragmatic, reported company management. “Madagascar represents 80% of world vanilla production today and is the international reference in terms of quality and market trends,” said Rich Brownell, vice president of vanilla products with Virginia Dare. “Adopting a more vertically integrated approach to vanilla sourcing there allows us to respond to growing customer demand for traceability and sustainability of foods and food ingredients.”