Solvay and Eurovanille have jointly announced the sale of the Vanifolia formulated product line to Eurovanille, a key player in the processing of natural vanilla-flavored products for the food sector. As part of the deal, Solvay will maintain ownership of its Rhovanil business line and will provide Rhovanil Natural CW to Eurovanille for the production of Vanifolia for the next three years.

This is the first acquisition by Eurovanille for its growing food formulations business, building on its existing vanilla expertise, know-how, global presence, and supply of an expanded natural product line to customers. 

The range comprises food formulations that use Solvay’s Rhovanil Natural CW as the primary ingredient and are developed for baking, chocolate and confectionery, and instant powder beverages.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Fabrice Domart, director of business development at Eurovanille, says that natural vanilla flavor formulation is a key factor for the industry, based on pleasure and naturality.

“Two-hundred and fifty flavor compounds make vanilla one of the most complex flavors – subtle and sophisticated. The growing demand for organic vanilla makes it possible to guarantee cultivation methods that respect nature – our organic quality purchases are around 85% – we are aiming for 100% for 2022. This also guarantees a fair price for planters and more ethics in the supply chains,” he explains. 

The deal will allow Eurovanille to expand its portfolio of flavors and add key technologies to strengthen its offer of aromatic technical solutions for the food industry.Formulating vanilla
The acquired Vanifolia range, supplied to markets worldwide, is based on Solvay’s extensive experience in formulating vanilla flavor. 

Vanifolia was designed to offer specific organoleptic benefits in key global segments, such as nutrition, bakery and premixes, chocolate, and instant powdered beverages. 

The Vanifolia Bean range is based on vanilla pods and allows “natural vanilla flavor” labeling in Europe.

For Solvay, the sale results from its long partnership with Eurovanille and reflects the mutually beneficial relationship and leading position of both companies in supplying natural vanilla flavorings.

“We are pleased to transfer ownership of Vanifolia food formulations to Eurovanille, who has been a long-time partner to Solvay and is well-positioned to lead this product line moving forward,” explains An Nuyttens, president of Solvay’s aroma business unit. 

“This transaction aligns with our GROW strategy, allowing us to focus on our leading position in developing and supplying natural vanillin and other bio-based flavors and fragrances.”

“This first acquisition delivers the important synergies and global ambitions we were looking for in our vanilla business,” adds Laurent Bourgois, CEO Eurovanille. “It will allow Eurovanille to expand its portfolio of flavors and add key technologies to strengthen its offer of aromatic technical solutions for the food industry.”

Vanilla supply chains 
Although prices of vanilla have been stable over the past 12 months, the recent surge in demand has helped stabilize the market, according to Domart.

“We are cautiously optimistic, at least in the short term, that we do not experience the drastic price drops we saw after the last vanilla crisis ended in 2004.”

The government of Madagascar has instituted a minimum export price of US$250.00/kg for the 2020 vanilla crop, which began to be exported on September 15, 2020.

“Madagascar, which is by far the largest producer of vanilla in the world, generally sets the tone for the other markets that follow,’ adds Domart. “However, 2021 is shaping up to be another big harvest in Madagascar that could easily exceed 2,000 tons. A shortage of supplies is extremely unlikely.”

Meanwhile, he flags how Papua New Guinea continues to consolidate its position as the second most productive vanilla region globally, with Tahitensis and Planifolia vanilla pod types.