Speakers

Vanilla Pompona in the U.S. Prior to 1958: A Storied Past, Emerging Opportunities

Maria Galeas

Rutgers University

mariapil@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

 

Vanilla planifolia Andrews has been the dominant commercial species of vanilla for over a century, yet history holds other species, such as Vanilla pompona Schiede, that have played a role in shaping the world of natural vanilla. Cultivated alongside Vanilla planifolia since ancient times, Vanilla pompona remains part of the food supply in several countries across Central and South America, as well as in major commercial vanilla-producing regions.

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Despite being the third most cultivated vanilla species for a long time and a source of income for small communities, most regulatory frameworks do not acknowledge it. A renewed focus on studying Vanilla pompona has highlighted its distinctive traits and its potential as a natural source of vanilla flavor.

This presentation will examine the scientific and historical context of Vanilla pompona’s use in food in the U.S. prior to 1958, addressing key questions: Why was this species excluded from the U.S. Standard of Identity for vanilla flavor? What is known about its flavor profile and its potential contribution to the sustainability of vanilla, considering possible regulatory and consumer acceptance pathways?

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Maria Galeas is a Venezuelan chemical engineer who received her degree from the University of Carabobo. She also holds master's degrees in global food law from Michigan State University and food science from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. She has published research on the flavor characterization of Vanilla pompona Schiede in the Perfumer & Flavorist trade magazine and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Food Science at Rutgers, where she is focusing on the taste chemistry of a novel vanilla species.

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Maria is the Director of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs for Taste at Kerry in North America. With over 15 years of experience, she has also held key regulatory roles at Firmenich, IFF, and Symrise, each enhancing her expertise in flavor compliance and global regulatory strategies. She is an active industry leader, participating in committees at the U.S. Flavors & Extracts Manufacturers Association (FEMA) and the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI). Additionally, she has been a member of the Advisory Board for the Transformative Leadership Program at the University of Stalton, New Jersey.  With a deep passion for bridging regulatory strategy with a scientific approach, Maria is dedicated to driving innovation and ensuring compliance while contributing to the flavor business.