Speakers
From Flavor to Impact: A Journey for Sustainable Vanilla with Rainforest Alliance Certification
Juan Guardado
Managing Director, Natural Extracts Industries Ltd
University of North Texas,
Moshi, Tanzania
The global vanilla market faces increasing pressure for transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Consumers and regulators alike demand greater accountability in the supply chain, impacting every stage from cultivation to the finished product. This presentation details our company's journey towards achieving Rainforest Alliance (aka UEBT) certification for our vanilla beans and vanilla extracts.
We will delve into the practical implications of Rainforest Alliance certification, moving beyond the label to explore the concrete steps of the journey and the resulting benefits for the environment, our farmers, processors, flavor houses, and our farmers. Key areas covered include:
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The Business Case for Sustainability: How Rainforest Alliance certification enhances brand reputation, meets ESG demands for ethical products, and mitigates supply chain risks associated with environmental and social issues.
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Partnerships for Positive Impact: We'll showcase the collaborative efforts undertaken with farmers and local communities in East Africa, highlighting the positive social and environmental impacts of these communities.
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Future-Proofing the Vanilla Industry: A look at how broader adoption of sustainable practices, like those promoted by the Rainforest Alliance, can contribute to the long-term viability and resilience of the vanilla industry, benefiting all stakeholders.
This presentation offers actionable insights for product developers, procurement managers, and category managers seeking to understand why certifications matter, how to navigate certified supply chains, how to meet ESG goals, and how to champion responsible sourcing. Join us to learn how Rainforest Alliance certification is not just a commitment, but a sustainable competitive advantage in the evolving vanilla industry and flavors more generally.
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Juan Guaradao
Managing Director, NEI Group
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As a co-founder of Natural Extracts Industries Ltd (NEI), Juan and his team have spearheaded the development of controlled curing, vanilla extraction, and farm-to-flavor extracts in East Africa. He has been an executive leader in various East African organisations spanning financial services, mobile-enabled agriculture technology, and mobile health solutions. His previous careers included 6 years at McKinsey & Co. in London and 4 years at the forefront of computer graphics research while at Matrox Graphics Inc. (Canada) and Nvidia Corp. (USA and UK). He holds a B.Eng. from McGill University and an MBA from INSEAD.
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