Heilala Vanilla: Grown with Purpose, Trusted by Chefs

At The Produce Company, we don’t just stock premium ingredients—we back brands that stand for something. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Heilala Vanilla, a world-class vanilla producer with deep roots in the Pacific and a mission that goes far beyond flavour.

From Cyclone to Cultivation: A Legacy of Resilience

Heilala Vanilla began in 2002, after Cyclone Waka tore through Tonga. New Zealander John Ross and his family teamed up with a local family in the village of Utungake to plant a small vanilla plantation. What started as a recovery project has grown into a globally respected brand, known for its exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and social impact.

Why Top Chefs Choose Heilala

• Premium Quality: Heilala’s vanilla beans are glossy, dark, and supple—signs of peak freshness and high vanillin content. This season’s crop is already showing signs of incredible depth and aroma.
• Traceability: From the sun-drenched plantations of Tonga to your kitchen, every bean is tracked with care. No middlemen. No compromises.
• Bourbon Tongan Vanilla: Grown in pristine island conditions, this variety delivers a rich, creamy, and sweet flavour that elevates everything from desserts to cocktails.

More Than Vanilla: A Force for Good

Heilala is the world’s first vanilla company to achieve B Corp Certification, proving that business can be a force for good. Every purchase supports:

• Schools and Teachers: From chalk to classroom kits, Heilala equips educators in Vava’u with the tools to inspire.
• Healthcare: Hospital beds and dengue fever kits donated to Prince W. Ngu Hospital help frontline workers save lives.
• Community Projects: From fencing community gardens to donating seedlings and dental care packs, Heilala is building resilience from the ground up.

How to Use a Vanilla Bean Like a Pro

Split the bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add them to your recipe. Simmer the pod in liquid for extra flavour, or dry it out and drop it in sugar for homemade vanilla sugar. It’s a pantry essential that brings warmth, depth, and balance to both sweet and savoury dishes.

Fresh Beans Incoming

Good news: fresh vanilla beans are en route from Tonga to Tauranga. Early signs point to a standout season, with high vanillin levels promising bold, aromatic extracts. Stock up while they’re fresh.

Recognised by the Best

Heilala Vanilla has earned praise from Bon Appétit, one of the most trusted names in food. That’s the kind of endorsement you don’t take lightly.

When you choose Heilala Vanilla, you’re not just buying the best—you’re backing a brand that gives back.

👉 Explore Heilala Vanilla at The Produce Company and taste the difference that purpose-grown vanilla makes.