Several news outlets have reported that due to poor harvests of vanilla beans, currently in high demand as a natural flavouring, prices on common desserts such as ice cream will increase. Vanilla is often used in health foods as it is one of the few all-natural flavourings we prefer.
Bloomberg reported the price of vanilla beans has more than tripled, according to their data cited from the Cook Flavoring Company and other sources. Cook stated that high-end vanilla now sells for $250 a kilogram versus $80 just a year ago and that some manufacturers are looking for substitutes to the more expensive vanilla.
The Guardian also reported on the price increase having a serious impact on ice cream manufacturers, noting that vanilla is already the second most expensive flavouring after saffron. According to industry insiders, vanilla beans harvested in Madagascar produce the best tasting vanilla but the island nation’s growers harvested too early in 2015 before the pods were fully ripe amid fears of theft. Vanilla beans are targeted by local criminals due to their high value.
Lovers of vanilla flavoured ice cream, yogurt and other health foods may have to pay a higher price for their favourite dietary sin this summer, or switch to another flavour until the price comes back down within a year as some have forecast.
