About - SVI

A unique platform to create conditions for a sustainable vanilla sector

We drive sustainability in vanilla supply chains

The Sustainable Vanilla Initiative (SVI), launched in 2015, is a voluntary industry initiative, which aims to promote the long-term stable supply of high-quality, natural vanilla, that is produced in a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable way.

SVI members believe vanilla can benefit all partners along the value chain, beginning with improving farmer livelihoods. The SVI is hosted by IDH, the Sustainable Trade Initiative in collaboration with US-based Sustainable Food Lab (SFL) and liaises with vanilla exporters, producers, sector organizations and public authorities worldwide to progress issues of governance, traceability, labour rights and technical assistance to grower groups.

Current members range from consumer goods manufacturers, flavour houses, international traders and local exporters

SVI represents over 70% of the global vanilla market

SVI International Buyers

SVI Madagascar Exporters

How we work

SVI drives collaborative action by creating a level playing field, by setting joint targets and by developing credible tools, policies, and approaches with the support of experts. SVI works globally with the majority of its interventions focused in Madagascar (80% of vanilla production) as well as Uganda.

Through SVI, member companies work on concrete actions for reaching the different SVI targets through several thematic working groups and regular learning sessions.

Convening Private Sector Consensus

SVI convenes 70% of private sector actors across the vanilla supply chain including international buyers, traders, exporters, producers and producing organizations around common solutions. We identify and implement collective solutions to sustainable challenges ensuring compliance with antitrust laws to maintain a pre-competitive environment and avoid any commercial sensitivities.

Collective Action and Tools

SVI facilitates joint innovative and inclusive projects that result in improved impact. It supports these actions through studies and analysis as well as the creation of tools such as the Forest Monitoring Tool.

Strategic partnerships

Public-private partnerships are central to achieving our commitments. SVI works closely with government authorities in producing and consuming countries and the broader international community to ensure our efforts contribute to local and international sustainability priorities.

Measuring Progress

Reporting with the aim of continuous improvement is central to the work of SVI and its members. SVI partners report on a yearly basis on their progress toward reaching their commitments and 2030 targets.

Meet the SVI Board

The SVI Board is the main governance body of SVI. The members of the Board are elected by the SVI partners. They meet monthly and make strategic decisions on the implementation of SVI’s commitments.

Gabriel Sarasin

Director Sustainability & Technology

McCormick & Company

Henry Todd

Vice President - International Operations

Virginia Dare Extract Co.

Audrey Borie

Senior Manager Global Vanilla Business Development

IFF

Solène Bernard

Sustainability Impact Manager

dsm-firmenich

Emmanuel Nee

Head of Ingredients Department

TOUTON

Muriel Acat Vergnet

President

PROVA

Jonathan Thompson

President & CEO

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Rupert Taylor

Head of Advocacy & Industry Positioning Sustainability

Symrise

Pauline Kosten

Head of Sustainability

TMICC (The Magnum Ice Cream Company)

Adit Sharma

Head of Responsible Sourcing and Biodiversity

Givaudan

Hanta Rajaonera

CEO

Ramanandraibe Exportation

Romain Albert

Sales Director

ProMaBio SARL

Meet the SVI Secretariat

IDH hosts the SVI secretariat. The secretariat is in charge of managing the day-to-day business of the initiative. Get in touch with us directly for all of your questions about the initiative.