Heilala Vanilla is a New Zealand-based producer of vanilla products that are sustainably grown, harvested and produced by small communities in Tonga.
- The company was founded in 2002 by John Ross and his daughter Jennifer Boggiss who were charmed by the purity of vanilla and its potential in food production.
- Heilala means “the essence of something” or “the taste of something” in Tongan language.
- The first vanilla plantation was established in Tonga in 2005 in partnership with a local village. The company's vanilla is hand-pollinated and sun-cured, which takes longer but produces superior-quality beans.
- Heilala Vanilla now operates multiple plantations, a processing facility and a research and development center in Tonga. Its products are sold through gourmet food stores and online retailers in more than 20 countries around the world.
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Heilala Vanilla Extract is made from premium-grade Tongan vanilla beans using a cold-extraction process. It has a smooth, rich flavor with floral and fruity notes.
Heilala Vanilla Paste is made from pure vanilla extract and natural bean specks. It has a thick, syrupy consistency and is ideal for baking and cooking.
Heilala Vanilla Sugar is made from premium-grade cane sugar infused with ground Heilala vanilla beans. It is perfect for adding sweetness and flavor to beverages and baked goods.
Heilala Vanilla is sustainably grown, harvested and produced in Tonga, a small Polynesian country in the South Pacific Ocean.
Heilala Vanilla is hand-pollinated, sun-cured and produced by small communities in Tonga, resulting in superior-quality beans with unique flavor and aroma profiles.
Although Heilala Vanilla is not certified organic, its vanilla beans are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, and its processing facilities use eco-friendly techniques.
Heilala Vanilla Extract and Paste should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, while Vanilla Sugar can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yes, Heilala Vanilla partners with local Tongan communities to create sustainable employment opportunities and provide education and training on organic farming and vanilla production.