Our Campaign for Real Vanilla
When LittlePod was launched in 2010, we learned that even some of the best chefs in the business did not realise that vanilla was the product of an endangered orchid, grown in the world’s Equatorial regions. It soon became clear that there was a need to educate consumers about REAL vanilla and its value to our planet, and to persuade them to stop using the inferior artificial alternatives that are found on our supermarket shelves. This prompted us to initiate our Campaign for Real Vanilla.
Fifteen years later, this still underpins all our efforts here at LittlePod.
Save the date..!
Our LittlePodders celebrate International Real Vanilla Day, each autumn, on October 17th
The driving force for our Campaign for Real Vanilla was a determination to support the vanilla farming communities on the Equatorial Belt by reconnecting consumers with the fascinating story of this special ingredient. When launching LittlePod, we were told that real vanilla could be lost within a generation unless we acted immediately. We brought to market our innovative natural vanilla paste in a tube, making it easier and more affordable for our customers to use REAL vanilla.
National Real Vanilla Day…
In 2014, we launched National Real Vanilla Day at Bickleigh Castle, establishing October 17th as the most important date on the LittlePod calendar. During our inaugural annual event, we launched our own Vanilla cookbook and brought together professional chefs (including Stephane Delorme from Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant) and home cooks to celebrate this precious spice.
It is something we have repeated each October 17th since – celebrating sustainability, farmers and flavours, and all that LittlePod stands for.
Going international…
Faced with the unprecedented challenges that gripped the world, we staged our 2020 event online, going global to mark the first ever International Real Vanilla Day! Launched in Tokyo to toast the inception of LittlePod Japan, IRVD 2020 brought together LittlePodders from across the planet.
We celebrated International Real Vanilla Day 2022 at Chelsea Physic Garden. Read all about it!
In 2023, we were fortunate enough to spend October 17th with the LittlePod farmers at our collaborative orchard in Indonesia. It was – as we wrote at the time – the most amazing experience. Meeting the farmers and their families, touring the orchard and seeing at first hand the difference that our Campaign for Real Vanilla is making to communities in the world’s Equatorial regions left us more determined than ever to succeed in our mission.
Will YOU join us?
Get involved…
Join our Campaign for Real Vanilla on October 17th, International Real Vanilla Day!
Like to help LittlePod celebrate this autumn?
- Follow us on Instagram for all the latest IRVD news and updates.
- Get creative in the kitchen – and do be sure to keep it REAL.
- Tell your family, friends and colleagues about vanilla and its value to the planet.
- Stock up on your favourite ingredients from our online shop.
Celebrate REAL vanilla all year round…!
October 17th is an important date, but our Campaign for Real Vanilla is an all-year-round affair! Here are three things that we can do to make a difference:
- Always use REAL vanilla in our kitchens.
- Ensure the products we purchase contain REAL vanilla.
- Educate others on the differences between REAL vanilla and cheap artificial substitutes.
To all those who continue to support LittlePod and our Campaign for Real Vanilla, we send our thanks. Vanilla hugs to you all!
Why is vanilla so important?
Research has shown that, where vanilla is planted, biodiversity is increased. Encouraging vanilla farmers and preserving the rainforest regions is crucial to the health of our planet, benefiting us all.