Madagascar
Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans 20cm — Bourbon
From £6.50
Buying vanilla by weight is the most economical way to use real pods, whether you bake every weekend or run a pastry section. Here are our current online prices by weight for every origin we stock, all Grade A or gourmet, all single origin and fully traceable.
If you need more than this, or a regular order, open a trade account. Trade customers get volume pricing, 30-day terms and free next-day delivery within London.
How much does 1kg of vanilla pods cost?
Vanilla is priced by origin, grade and season. Tanzanian gourmet pods are one of the most affordable origins, while Tahitian and Mexican pompona are the rarest and most expensive. Grade A Madagascar sits in between. The table below shows our live prices; trade accounts pay less per kilo.
Vanilla pod prices by weight
Online prices, including delivery options at checkout. Trade prices are lower.
| Origin | Smallest pack | 100g | 250g | 1kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans 20cm — Bourbon | 2 beans £6.50 | Trade | £87.50 | Trade |
| Gourmet Tanzanian Vanilla Beans 18cm | 2 pods £4.50 | £22.00 | £55.00 | £220.00 |
| Grade A Ugandan Vanilla 15-18cm | 4 pods £7.50 | £32.00 | £80.00 | Trade |
| Grade A Papua New Guinea Vanilla Beans | 2 beans £4.90 | Trade | Trade | Trade |
| Grade A Tahitian Vanilla Beans | 1 bean £9.00 | £79.00 | Trade | Trade |
| Wild Bali | Trade and samples on request | |||
| Ecuador (tahitensis) | Trade and samples on request | |||
| Mexican planifolia | Trade and samples on request | |||
| Mexican pompona | Trade and samples on request | |||
Vanilla is zero-rated for VAT, so no VAT is added. Weights that show “Trade” are available to trade accounts. Prices change with each harvest. Open a trade account
Why vanilla costs what it does
Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron, because it is one of the most labour-intensive crops there is. Every flower is pollinated by hand on the morning it opens, the pods take around nine months to ripen, and curing them properly takes months more of scalding, sweating, sun-drying and resting.
Prices also move with the harvest. Most of the world’s vanilla comes from one region of Madagascar, so a cyclone, a poor crop or early picking there moves prices everywhere. Origins with tiny harvests, such as Tahiti and Mexican pompona, cost more again.
We keep prices as steady as we can by holding stock in London. When prices do change, trade accounts get 30 days’ written notice.
Which origin should you buy in bulk?
For an all-round workhorse, choose Madagascar: rich, creamy and robust under heat. For value in volume, Tanzanian gourmet pods give a classic, rounded vanilla at a lower price per kilo. Ugandan vanilla is bold and chocolatey and stands up to baking and chocolate work.
When vanilla is the star of a cold dessert, the floral, perfumed tahitensis vanillas are worth it: Tahitian, Papua New Guinea or Ecuador. Read about each one on its origin page, or ask us for samples.
Buying vanilla in bulk
How many vanilla pods are in a kilo?
Roughly 200–250 Grade A pods, depending on length and moisture. Shorter, drier extract-grade beans give more pods per kilo but less seed per pod.
How long do bulk vanilla pods keep?
Our pouches carry an 18-month best-before. Keep them sealed, cool and out of the light, and open one pouch at a time.
Is there a minimum order for trade?
Trade orders start at 250g of any vanilla pods. Delivery is free within London and next working day for orders placed by midnight; outside London we ship by DHL in two working days.
Can I get samples before ordering in bulk?
Yes. If you are a chef or buyer, get in touch and we will send samples of the origins you are considering.
Why is vanilla so expensive?
Every vanilla flower is pollinated by hand, the pods take around nine months to ripen, and curing takes months more. Most vanilla comes from one region of Madagascar, so weather and harvest problems there push prices up worldwide.
Will the price change after I open a trade account?
Vanilla prices follow the harvest. We keep them as steady as we can, and give trade accounts 30 days’ written notice of any change.
Can you keep supplying if a harvest fails?
Yes. We always have stock, held in our London warehouse, so orders go out every week whatever the harvest.
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