10 World's Biggest Country Producers of Vanilla
10 World's Biggest Country Producers of Vanilla
The
10 biggest countries of vanilla production in the
world– There are 10 biggest
country producers of Vanilla in the world in 2024 according to data released by
the Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT)
in 2026. Commonly, FAO oversees the agriculture sector all over the world. The
FAO data summarizes vanilla production worldwide in 2024 from country to
continent.
The vanilla commodity has always been interesting to follow
because of its high selling value and even considered green gold in
ancient times because it had a high economic value. So far, the vanilla plant (Vanilla
planifolia) is widely used as a food fragrance, raw material for the food
industry such as biscuits, sugar, bread, ice cream. The pharmaceutical industry
also uses it to kill bacteria/pathogens and eliminate unpleasant odors. If
viewed from the origin, this plant is possible to come from the Americas
Region, precisely around Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Taxonomically, this plant is included in the family Orchidaceae (orchid-orchid
tribe) which most of its member species are included in ornamental plant
species.
The World’s Production, Harvested Areas, and Yield of Vanilla From 1961 to 2024
|
Years |
World's
Area Harvested of Vanilla |
World’s
Production Vanilla |
Yield of
Vanilla |
|
(Hectares
(Ha)) |
(Tons) |
(Tons/
hectare (T/ha)) |
|
|
1961 |
16,483 |
1,380 |
0.08 |
|
1962 |
15,929 |
1,199 |
0.08 |
|
1963 |
12,707 |
1,685 |
0.13 |
|
1964 |
11,643 |
1,627 |
0.14 |
|
1965 |
12,659 |
1,749 |
0.14 |
|
1966 |
12,263 |
1,938 |
0.16 |
|
1967 |
11,746 |
1,898 |
0.16 |
|
1968 |
11,686 |
1,507 |
0.13 |
|
1969 |
11,688 |
1,962 |
0.17 |
|
1970 |
11,095 |
1,736 |
0.16 |
|
1971 |
11,756 |
2,337 |
0.20 |
|
1972 |
15,525 |
2,398 |
0.15 |
|
1973 |
15,725 |
2,082 |
0.13 |
|
1974 |
15,005 |
2,844 |
0.19 |
|
1975 |
15,733 |
3,136 |
0.20 |
|
1976 |
14,711 |
1,586 |
0.11 |
|
1977 |
12,948 |
1,939 |
0.15 |
|
1978 |
12,714 |
1,989 |
0.16 |
|
1979 |
12,201 |
1,740 |
0.14 |
|
1980 |
28,689 |
1,983 |
0.07 |
|
1981 |
27,846 |
2,390 |
0.09 |
|
1982 |
28,119 |
2,795 |
0.10 |
|
1983 |
29,142 |
2,811 |
0.10 |
|
1984 |
29,804 |
3,243 |
0.11 |
|
1985 |
32,906 |
3,024 |
0.09 |
|
1986 |
33,931 |
2,542 |
0.07 |
|
1987 |
35,819 |
4,093 |
0.11 |
|
1988 |
36,754 |
4,861 |
0.13 |
|
1989 |
38,477 |
4,437 |
0.12 |
|
1990 |
40,841 |
3,168 |
0.08 |
|
1991 |
35,752 |
3,203 |
0.09 |
|
1992 |
42,775 |
3,585 |
0.08 |
|
1993 |
36,653 |
4,235 |
0.12 |
|
1994 |
34,803 |
3,569 |
0.10 |
|
1995 |
36,235 |
3,889 |
0.11 |
|
1996 |
38,687 |
4,115 |
0.11 |
|
1997 |
39,902 |
4,007 |
0.10 |
|
1998 |
40,945 |
4,574 |
0.11 |
|
1999 |
38,784 |
4,341 |
0.11 |
|
2000 |
38,064 |
3,988 |
0.10 |
|
2001 |
39,229 |
4,739 |
0.12 |
|
2002 |
39,620 |
5,310 |
0.13 |
|
2003 |
42,088 |
4,826 |
0.11 |
|
2004 |
41,958 |
5,840 |
0.14 |
|
2005 |
79,035 |
7,499 |
0.09 |
|
2006 |
83,375 |
9,060 |
0.11 |
|
2007 |
84,801 |
9,327 |
0.11 |
|
2008 |
89,218 |
9,302 |
0.10 |
|
2009 |
89,393 |
9,216 |
0.10 |
|
2010 |
86,598 |
8,335 |
0.10 |
|
2011 |
95,385 |
8,687 |
0.09 |
|
2012 |
99,753 |
8,145 |
0.08 |
|
2013 |
96,940 |
7,699 |
0.08 |
|
2014 |
97,316 |
7,306 |
0.08 |
|
2015 |
94,101 |
7,457 |
0.08 |
|
2016 |
94,588 |
7,535 |
0.08 |
|
2017 |
93,829 |
7,410 |
0.08 |
|
2018 |
95,194 |
7,472 |
0.08 |
|
2019 |
91,411 |
6,989 |
0.08 |
|
2020 |
94,465 |
7,145 |
0.08 |
|
2021 |
93,450 |
7,675 |
0.08 |
|
2022 |
93,505 |
7,110 |
0.08 |
|
2023 |
93,841 |
7,194 |
0.08 |
|
2024 |
93,227 |
7,115 |
0.08 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations
Special agency that deals with world food and agriculture issues, published
data on some of the largest vanilla-producing countries in 2024. Basically, data from FAO shows that the total
world’s vanilla production reaches 7.1 tons with a total harvested area
reaching 93 thousand hectares (ha). This production and area harvested showed significantly increased from 1961 to 2024. In the year 1961, the world’s
production of vanilla was just 1.3 thousand tons and area harvested around 16.4
thousand hectares (ha) in 1961. Furthermore, the yield of Vanilla from 1961 to
2024 is relatively stable in the range of 0.08 - 0.20 tons/hectare (t/ha).
The World’s Production Vanilla in 2024 Based on Continental Region
|
Continental
Region |
Production
of Vanilla in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
3,521 |
|
Americas |
510 |
|
Asia |
2,368 |
|
Oceania |
715 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT,
2026 |
|
When viewed from the continental regions based on the FAO Database, Asia and
Africa still become the main regions of world vanilla production. In the year of 2024, the African continent was
able to produce 3,521 tons of vanilla or 45% of world’s vanilla production.
Furthermore, the Asian continent produced 2,368 tons or 36% of world’s vanilla
production, the Oceania continent produced 715 tons or 9% of world’s vanilla
production, and the Americas with 510 tons or 9% of world’s production of
vanilla.
Ranking Table of 10 Biggest Countries of vanilla Production in The World
|
Ranks |
Countries |
Production
of Vanilla in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
Madagascar |
3,090 |
|
2 |
Indonesia |
1,526 |
|
3 |
Mexico |
510 |
|
4 |
Papua New
Guinea |
493 |
|
5 |
China,
mainland |
435 |
|
6 |
Türkiye |
407 |
|
7 |
Comoros |
203 |
|
8 |
Tonga |
195 |
|
9 |
Uganda |
183 |
|
10 |
French
Polynesia |
24 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
In more detail and when viewed from countries or nations
perspective, there are some of the largest vanillas producing countries, most
of which are in the Asia and Africa Region. Here are some descriptions of the
largest vanilla-producing countries in the world and their growing conditions
in each country.
Brief Description of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Vanilla in 2024
1. Madagascar
Madagascar is the world’s biggest vanilla-producing country in
2024, contributing more than 50% to world vanilla production. When viewed from
a historical perspective, this plant has long been cultivated since the era of
French colonialism. The history of the development of vanilla plants cannot be
separated from this island because the inventor of the vanilla plant crossing
method, Edmond Albius, was born on this island. In 1841, he was credited with
finding a way to pollinate vanilla plants using sticks and hands which was
initially difficult to do so that the crop could be harvested optimally.
In 2024, Madagascar's vanilla production reached 3,090 tons. Based on the
geographic area, the northeastern region of Madagascar is the center to produce
this plant. Anthalaha, Sambava, Vohemar, and Andapa are some of
Madagascar's main vanilla-producing regions. In terms
of functionality and benefits, many of the vanilla produced in this country are
exported abroad with total vanilla exports in 2023 reaching 1400 tons.
2. Indonesia
Indonesia is the 2nd biggest vanilla-producing
country in the world. In 2024, the total vanilla production reached 1,526 tons
with around 52.58% of its national vanilla exported to other countries. Specifically, the total value of
Indonesian Vanilla exports reached 87.84 million dollars. Furthermore,
Geographically, in Indonesia, there are several regions or provinces as vanilla main cultivation/ production areas. This
province includes East Java, Lampung, Central Java, West Java, North Sumatra,
NTT, Yogyakarta, Papua, and several areas on the island of Sulawesi.
3. Mexico
Mexico is the 3rd biggest vanilla-producing country in the world.
In 2024, Mexico's
vanilla production reached 510 tons. Furthermore, In Mexico, there are some
main production areas of Vanilla, namely Totonacapan, the Veracruz region,
Oaxaca, and Puebla. In addition, Vanilla in Mexico has beneficial usage as raw
material for cakes, bread, yogurt, drinks, candy, etc. Even Mexican vanilla
products call it the “Molina Vanilla” brand that is popular with people in the
United States.
4. Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is the world’s 4th largest producer. In 2024, its
vanilla production reached 493 tons. There are 2 types of vanilla grown in this
country, namely Bourbon (Vanilla planifolia) and Tahitian (V
tahitensis). Geographically, about 50-75% of the vanilla from Papua New
Guinea comes from the province of East Sepik, which is concentrated in the
districts of Maprik, Dreikikir, and Wosera and is also found in the provinces
of Central, Morobe, East New Britain, and Madang.
5. China
China is the world’s 5th biggest country producer of
Vanilla. In 2024, China's vanilla production reached
435 tons. To date, the government is trying to develop this plant by
implementing a vanilla plant development project in Yunnan Province with an area of more than 130 hectares and is
still running. Biologically, in China, there is Vanilla shenzhenica. This
vanilla species is native to Guangdong (Shenzhen and Huizhou).
6.Turkiye
Turkey is the 6th biggest producer of Vanilla in
2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Vanilla from Turkey
reached 407 tons. Because of excessive vanilla
production, Turkey has exported its vanilla to other countries. The main destinations of Turkey's Vanilla are
Syria, United Kingdom, Iran, South Korea, and Azerbaijan.
7. Comoros
Comoros is the 7th world’s biggest producer of Vanilla in 2024.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
Vanilla from Comoros reached 203 tons. Based on the biological aspects, the
Vanilla from the Comoros Islands is Vanilla planifolia, a high-quality, gourmet
variety prized for its high vanillin content, Often, the pods are wider,
flatter, and fleshier than Madagascar vanilla.
8. Tonga
Tonga is the 8th biggest producer of Vanilla in
2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production
of Vanilla from Tonga reached 195 tons. In this country, vanilla beans from
Tonga are frequently used by gourmet chocolate and geographically, the main
growing areas of Vanilla in Tonga
are located in the Vava'u island group.
9. Uganda
Uganda is the 9th biggest producer of Vanilla in
2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production
of Vanilla from Uganda reached 183 tons. In Uganda, there are many growing
regions of Vanilla. These regions include Mukono, Jinja, Kamuli, Luweero,
Kasese, Mpigi, Kayunga and Bundibugyo districts. Based on the climatic
conditions, the harvesting season of Vanilla in Uganda usually occurs in
June-July and December-January.
10. French Polynesia
French Polynesia is the 10th biggest producer of Vanilla in
2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production
of Vanilla from French Polynesia reached 24 tons. Historically, Vanilla was first
introduced to French Polynesia by French colonizers in 1848 by Admiral
Ferdinand-Alphonse Hamelin, a French commander in the Pacific. Later, it became an important crop in French Polynesia. Geographically,
Taha’a is the main island in this country as the main growing region of
Vanilla. Taha'a is called “vanilla island”
because of the huge population of Vanilla
crops on this island.
11. Malawi
Malawi is one of the biggest producers of Vanilla in 2019.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
Vanilla from Malawi reached 20 tonnes,
The Histogram Rank of 10 World's Biggest Country Producers of Vanilla
The Table Rank of 10 World's Biggest Country Producers of Vanilla
Bibliography 10 Biggest Countries of Vanilla Production in The World
FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). 2026. Production
quantities of Vanilla, raw by country. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on
January 23rd, 2026.
Zu, Annah .2018. Bracing for the Vanilla Boom accessed
via https://www.sapiens.org/culture/madagascar-vanilla-boom/ on July 1, 2020
Madacamp. 2020. Madagascar Vanilla. accessed via https://www.madacamp.com/Madagascar_Vanilla on July 3, 2020
Lovasoa, Rabary. 2018. Madagascar’s vanilla producers expect
prices to remain high accessed via https://www.reuters.com/article/madagascar-vanilla/madagascars-vanilla-producers-expect-prices-to-remain-high-idUSL5N1V04HL on July 2, 2020.
Tridge. 2018. Vanilla. accessed via https://www.tridge.com/intelligences/vanilla/ID/export on July 1, 2020
Sam. 2015. Vanilla in Papua New Guinea accessed via https://www.tokpisin.info/vanilla-papua-new-guinea/#:~:text=a%20good%20income.-,Distribution%20of%20production%20and%20planting,East%20New%20Britain%20and%20Madang. On May 30, 2020
Peter Landau. 1998. China Forges Ahead With Vanilla Despite
Sluggish World Market accessed via https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/1998/08/10/88375/china-forges-ahead-with-vanilla-despite-sluggish-world-market/#:~:text=China%20also%20has%20a%20government,out%20of%20the%20vanilla%20band.&text=%22We%20have%20developed%20133%20hectares,1.5%20tons%20of%20cured%20beans.%22 on May 30, 2020