4. Values-Led Sourcing >
4.4 Vanilla
Sustainably Grown Vanilla
Since 2002, when we launched “Vanilla for a Change,” we’ve gone out of our way to source the vanilla extract in our smooth Vanilla ice cream from cooperatives of farmers who practice sustainable techniques on small-scale farms. In 2006, we used extract from a blend of vanilla beans, the majority of which were grown and harvested by small-scale producers in North Sumatra, Lampung, and Bali, Indonesia. These vanilla growers are members of local associations that encourage soil conservation, shade growing, fertility management, and non-chemical treatment of crops.
Vanilla produced this way costs more, but we think it’s worth it. Most of the premium we pay for these beans goes directly to farmers. With increased incomes, vanilla growers are able to stay on their land, support their families, and improve their communities.
In 2006, Ben & Jerry’s made the decision to seek out Fair Trade Certified vanilla for this flavor, in part to send a clearer, more recognizable message to our consumers about our commitment to responsible sourcing. After the Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO) completed its due diligence, a handful of vanilla growers’ associations in Asia and Africa were certified as meeting Fair Trade standards — including some of the Indonesian associations who have supplied us in the past. 
We will begin purchasing extract from Fair Trade Certified vanilla beans for use in our smooth Vanilla ice cream in the U.S. in 2007. (The Vanilla ice cream that Ben & Jerry’s makes in Europe transitioned to Fair Trade Certified in the summer of 2006. Read more here)
Ben & Jerry’s is pleased to have been a catalyst for the extension of Fair Trade Certification to vanilla and we’re excited that we are one of the first companies in the world purchasing vanilla on Fair Trade terms.
In the bigger picture, we’re proud to be a part of the growing Fair Trade movement, which allows socially conscious consumers to have a positive impact on people and communities in the developing world.
To learn more about Fair Trade, visit our friends at Transfair USA.