Blue Pacific Flavors launches responsibly-sourced and sustainable Kilimanjaro Vanilla

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Blue Pacific Flavors (City of Industry, CA) launched a responsibly sourced and sustainable Kilimanjaro Vanilla. Through its partnership with Natural Extracts Industries (NEI), Blue Pacific Flavors has been able to put programs in place to help improve quality of life for farmers and drive sustainable agricultural practices. 

“Reflecting decades of dedication, partnership, and innovation to bring true, sustainable vanilla back to the food and beverage industry, the Kilimanjaro Vanilla story is one of people, passion, pride, and purpose,” said Donald Wilkes, president and CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, in a press release. “We are making the highest quality vanilla truly accessible to responsible brands as they strive to align with consumer demand for natural, clean-label, sustainably produced products that also taste amazing.”

The partnership operates as a social enterprise that educates Tanzanian farmers on vanilla agriculture, champions fair trade wages, and provides full traceability in an effort to empower local communities toward sustainable success. Additionally, it also provides improved financial security for farmers.

“The synergies that we have and the value that this partnership creates is something that benefits us all,” said Juan Guardado, managing director for NEI, in a press release. “No other flavor is able to impact on so many different levels: livelihood, product quality, and conservation. It’s a really unique value proposition and one NEI is excited to be a part of.”

According to Jessica Morton, sensory and consumer insights manager at Blue Pacific Flavors, the vanilla is complex and full-bodied. It features rich, creamy floral aromas that finish with the scent of caramel, spiced rum, and pipe tobacco. These features can only be achieved through the most thoughtful vanilla cultivar selection, vanilla flower hand pollination, and unyielding patience throughout vanilla bean harvesting and curing. 

Extracts of Kilimanjaro Vanilla are produced locally in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, delivering increased value and enabling more lucrative opportunities for local farmers. Blue Pacific Flavors donates 3% of net sales of Kilimanjaro Vanilla to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).