Madagascar is the emblematic country for vanilla cultivation. Indeed, its unique terroir enables local farmers to produce vanilla of the highest organoleptic quality, more complex and richer than vanillas from other origins. However, it would be reductive to speak only of vanilla, since Madagascar is such a treasure trove of aromatic gems. Indeed, the island is home to some of the world's best-known spices and essential oils: ylang ylang, clove, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, vetiver, niaouli, ravintsara, geranium, patchouli... The know-how and development of spice and essential oil production dates back to the 19th century.

By immersing myself for 2 months in this country with its many faces and landscapes, I was able to meet many producers and take the time to talk with the players involved throughout the audited sectors.

Starting in the northern part of the island, with the organic Vetiver essential oil chain, whose development we've been financing for the past 7 years, via the emblematic Ylang Ylang on the island of Nosy Bé and the certified organic and Fair For Life Vanilla chain in the northeast of the country. The trip then continued east of Antananarivo, with organic turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, ravintsara, niaouli and clove. For all these sectors, I had the chance to visit plots with producers, as well as cooperatives and exporters, who are the guarantors of quality that meets the requirements of European customers.