Along with turmeric and cardamom we have been training our staff and testing vanilla cultivation at Finca Chocolat since 2022. We like to start small and ensure that we have the knowledge and skill necessary before investing heavily in a new crop. We are happy to say that 2024 is the year we begin to scale up our Vanilla planifolia production!
Vanilla is an ideal crop for Finca Chocolat since our cacao customers already regularly buy vanilla and it aligns perfectly with our focus on non-perishable high-value crops that are easy to ship. Thankfully when we purchased the farm there were 7 acres of cashew trees that we have rehabilitated. These cashew trees with their low arching branches and shade are ideal to grow vanilla on. The two plants will coexist perfectly with each other and allow us to work with nature rather than building an artificial structure that requires maintenance and upkeep for the vanilla.
We are looking forward to expanding our vanilla production for the next few years until we cover this 7-acre area. If you are in the market for vanilla don’t hesitate to reach out!
Bonifilia watering a newly transplanted Vanilla planifolia. The vanilla will soon attach itself to the tree and the red string you see in the photo will be removed.