Givaudan expands sustainability credentials with Rainforest Alliance vanilla certification
Swiss flavour giant Givaudan has achieved Rainforest Alliance certification for selected vanilla extracts in the European market, strengthening its sustainability portfolio through direct farmer partnerships in Madagascar. The certification provides full traceability from certified villages to the company’s Netherlands extraction facility.
Givaudan has secured Rainforest Alliance certification for a selection of vanilla extracts marketed across Europe, expanding sustain-able sourcing options for food manufacturers whilst reinforcing the company’s environ-mental commitments through its established Sourcing4Good programme.
The certification programme supports farmers in implementing practices that protect the environment, improve livelihoods, promote human rights for farm workers, and help communities mitigate climate change impacts.
“This certification not only meets the growing demands of environmentally conscious consumers but also fosters a sustainable future for communities and ecosystems alike,” said Gwen Kastler, Regional Product Manager Vanilla at Givaudan.
Direct sourcing through Madagascar partnerships
The certification builds on Givaudan’s existing supply chain infrastructure through SOMAVA, a joint venture established in 2014 with Henri Fraise Fils et Cie. This partnership enables direct collaboration with farmers in Rainforest Alliance certified villages across Madagascar, providing complete traceability for vanilla beans processed at Givaudan’s European extraction facility in the Netherlands.
“Givaudan’s Rainforest Alliance certified vanilla products empower our customers to proudly showcase the frog seal on their packaging, helping consumers to make more conscientious purchasing decisions,” Kastler added.
The certification allows food manufacturers to display the recognisable Rainforest Alliance seal on consumer packaging, supporting brand positioning around sustainability credentials in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Foundation activities support local communities
Beyond certification requirements, the Givaudan Foundation has implemented extensive community support programmes across Madagascar’s vanilla-growing regions. The foundation has constructed or renovated 30 schools, providing educational facilities for over 4,500 children, whilst establishing healthcare access through two centres serving more than 1,000 patients annually.
Environmental sustainability initiatives include distributing 4,000 energy-efficient cooking stoves to vanilla farmer households and implementing environmental education programmes across 10 schools. The foundation has also facilitated clean water access for over 10,000 villagers and established energy-efficient institutional kitchens in two educational facilities.
Comprehensive vanilla portfolio
With over 100 years of experience in extract production, vanilla represents a cornerstone of Givaudan’s flavour portfolio. The company offers extensive vanilla extract and flavouring ranges covering multiple certification standards, including Rainforest Alliance and Organic Certified (Ecocert) designations, alongside customised vanilla solutions for specific customer requirements.
For more information, visit: www.givaudan.com
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