VANILECO

Did you know that the world’s finest Bourbon vanilla grows exclusively in Madagascar? Known for its distinctively sweet, rich aroma and flavor, it’s treasured by chefs and perfumers alike. Vanilla cultivation in Madagascar is highly delicate each plant demands precise growing conditions and constant, hands-on care. No part of the process can be mechanized. That’s what made the idea of starting a business in Madagascar so compelling to four lifelong friends. We – Donatas, Ramūnas, Saulius, and Robertas – have known each other since we were four years old. In 2016, together with Donatas's father, Aurelijus, we accepted an invitation from a close friend to get involved in a vanilla-growing venture in Madagascar. We began modestly with just one hectare of land for our first vanilla crops. Aurelijus was the first to set foot in Madagascar, and he was instantly captivated: “This place is paradise. It’s unbelievably rich in nature, surrounded by a breathtaking ocean, and home to warm, welcoming people who greet you with a smile.” It didn’t take long for him to realize that his future belonged here. That marked the beginning of our long and challenging adventure in a foreign land, where we didn’t speak the language or know the customs armed only with a dream and an unwavering belief in our mission to create something truly special. From day one, the VANILECO journey has been filled with obstacles. One of the greatest challenges we faced and still do is Madagascar’s lack of infrastructure. Roads are scarce and in terrible condition. Our team had to travel into rural areas up to five times a week just to gather compost and mulch materials. Rainy weather made the roads nearly impassable, requiring frequent repairs to our transport equipment. But none of these difficulties ever deterred us. After five years of relentless effort, we’ve built a strong, skilled, and dedicated team united by a common purpose. Working seven days a week, we’ve proven to ourselves and to others that we can adapt, innovate, and persevere no matter what comes our way. That’s why we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Today, with the support of an ever-growing team of passionate Malagasy colleagues, we manage 94 hectares of flourishing vanilla plantations.