Tauranga vanilla company Heilala Vanilla has announced a new partnership between the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Plant and Food Research with the MFAT Vanilla Project. Officially launched in Vava’u in Tonga last week at the Heilala Vanilla Utungake farm, the MFAT Vanilla Project aims to develop strong vanilla farming practices to strengthen the industry.
Heilala Vanilla has achieved record planting numbers following the development and investment in large-scale vanilla farms in 2018. With the management and expertise of local vanilla grower Albert Guttenbeil, Heilala Vanilla has invested in the planting of over 100 acres of vanilla in Vava’u, which come onstream in 2023.
Both the current and new vanilla plantations will provide a platform for research trials for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Vanilla Project. “With the support of MFAT and Plant and Food, the vanilla industry in Tonga will really benefit from applied research,” Jennifer Boggiss, Heilala Vanilla CEO says.
“The new plantings coming onstream along with the MFAT partnership will set us up for a sustainable future, allowing us to continue best practice and innovation within the global vanilla industry,” says Boggiss.
The increased investment into the company’s Tongan supply chain follows the successful entry into the US market. “There is a strong baking culture in North America and focus on responsibly and ethically sourced ingredients,” says Boggiss. As a result, the company saw an increase of more than 2000 percent in the US market from March 2017 – March 2019.
Jennifer Boggiss says it is important for the brand to remain fully connected and traceable to its Tongan origin, while providing a thriving and sustainable future for the Tongan vanilla industry. “When we’re visiting chefs or home bakers in New York City, we would like to see Tonga recognized in the same way Fiji is known for Fiji Water,” she says.
The farms will increase Heilala’s supply capabilities along with providing employment to more than 100 local community members.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga Tiffany Babington acknowledged that support of vanilla growers in Tonga would be key to the success of the MFAT Vanilla Project. “Ultimately, benefits from this project aim to have a direct impact on your livelihoods and, by extension, your families and the communities you live in,” Ms Babington said.
About Heilala Vanilla
Heilala Vanilla began as an aid project in 2002 when a vanilla plantation was established by a New Zealand family, in partnership with a local family in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga. In 2005 the first crop was harvested and brought back to New Zealand. The brand was established in 2008 with a range of vanilla products. Loved by chefs and foodies around the world, Heilala Vanilla has a significant impact on the local community in Tonga including providing employment which creates empowerment, along with a sense of purpose and pride. Heilala Vanilla is invested in more than just vanilla in Tonga, it is invested in the Tonga people and their communities and provides support where needs are identified.
Heilala Vanilla has a range of award-winning 100% pure and blended vanilla products, including vanilla beans, vanilla extract, vanilla paste, vanilla sugar, vanilla syrup and ground vanilla powder.
