Why big brands are turning to vanilla from Uganda

Vanilla prices have been highly volatile, crashing from nearly $600 per kilo in 2017 to roughly $50 per kilo in 2024, largely due to the global market's heavy dependence on Madagascar, which supplies about 80% of natural vanilla. In response, major brands like Ben & Jerry's and Nielsen-Massey are turning to Uganda, which is emerging as a key alternative source thanks to its two annual harvests and improved quality controls. Uganda's growing role could help stabilize global vanilla prices and make natural vanilla more affordable.

Why big brands are turning to vanilla from Uganda Vanilla is so valuable that it's been called "green gold." At its peak in 2017, prices reached nearly $600 per kilo, making it the second-most expensive spice in the world. But by 2024, prices had crashed to roughly $50 per kilo. That volatility stems from one major factor: The world depends heavily on Madagascar, which has historically supplied about 80% of natural vanilla. When storms, theft, early harvesting, or policy changes hit Madagascar's crop, the entire global market feels it. Now, buyers are looking for another source — and Uganda is quickly emerging as vanilla's next big player. With two harvest seasons a year, improved quality controls, and growing demand from major brands like Ben & Jerry's and Nielsen-Massey, Uganda could help stabilize and make natural vanilla more affordable. So, why is vanilla so expensive? And can Uganda step in to help stabilize global prices? Vanilla is so valuable that it's been called "green gold." At its peak in 2017, prices reached nearly $600 per kilo, making it the second-most expensive spice in the world. But by 2024, prices had crashed to roughly $50 per kilo. That volatility stems from one major factor: The world depends heavily on Madagascar, which has historically supplied about 80% of natural vanilla. When storms, theft, early harvesting, or policy changes hit Madagascar's crop, the entire global market feels it. Now, buyers are looking for another source — and Uganda is quickly emerging as vanilla's next big player. With two harvest seasons a year, improved quality controls, and growing demand from major brands like Ben & Jerry's and Nielsen-Massey, Uganda could help stabilize and make natural vanilla more affordable. So, why is vanilla so expensive? And can Uganda step in to help stabilize global prices?