Fairtrade Accreditation for Taylor & Colledge

The family-owned company, which has been supplying independents with vanilla products for over 100 years, has received the accreditation for successfully reintroducing vanilla growing to Vava’u, a Tongan island.

The scheme began in 2013, when the producer visited the island to support 50 growers interested in producing vanilla. There are now 1,400 families involved in growing the crop.

The Fairtrade accreditation has been awarded to Taylor & Colledge for its commitment to building a sustainable industry, the fair price it is paying for crops, and its investment in infrastructure and equipment.

Sam Himstedt, CEO of Taylor & Colledge said, “Tonga was once renowned as one of the finest producers of vanilla, with its beans having a reputation for being of the highest grade and possessing a flavour and aroma to rival those from the east–African region of Madagascar. However, the majority of Tongan vanilla disappeared due to market forces and unsustainable practices.

“We considered this a tragedy, so we decided we should help the people of Vava’u re-establish their place on the vanilla growing map, but in a fair and sustainable way.

“Fairtrade accreditation will mean that cooking and baking enthusiasts, as well as professional bakers and chefs, will soon be able to enjoy a true, full flavoured and aromatic vanilla to lift their recipes, at the same time knowing that they are assisting 1,400 families who help produce our fantastic range.”