Who knew our desire for real ingredients versus artificial ingredients is partially responsible for fueling violence and murder in Madagascar?
Almost two-thirds of consumers choose foods made from clean ingredients, defined as “not artificial, synthetic organic fresh, and natural.”
Unfortunately, this ever-increasing global demand for real vanilla used in everything from ice cream to alcohol to cosmetics, coupled with the dwindling supply of vanilla, and more stringent labeling laws, have created such fierce competition on the open market that violence has ensued.
Armed farmers in Madagascar now guard their crops to protect them against thieves who sell their vanilla beans for profits on the open market. Thieves will attack and kill farmers for their vanilla pods.
Madagascar vanilla has higher concentrations of vanillin than beans from other countries, which is why Madagascar vanilla beans are so richly flavored. But vanilla isn’t easy to grow, either. Vanilla plants must be nurtured for three to four years before bearing pods. The flowers bloom once a year for 24 hours and must be immediately pollinated.
The rising demand from global markets is forcing farmers to clear forests to make new fields for vanilla bean crops.
Stringent labeling laws must state “vanilla-flavored,” not “vanilla,” if real vanilla is not used in a product.
Cyclones in back-to-back years battered Madagascar, wrecking vines and diminishing supplies causing prices to skyrocket.
Vanilla’s high price, rampant poverty, and corruption have made the crop a favorite target of violent criminal networks.
Authorities have not disclosed the number of deaths due to vanilla.