The spice trade is one which is archetypal of globalisations progression since the 14th century, linking the Eurasian landmass, and in time the world. Spices have slowly consolidated their ifluence in the cultures of almost all nations. One such example, that personifies the spices general trend, is that of vanilla.
Indigenous to Mexico, it was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 1500s, and introduced first as a perfumery, and then as a flavouring tool. It is synonymous with some of worlds leading cuisine, and in turn, to some of the world most prominent transnational corporations. This has led to a series of booms and crashes throughout the 20th and 21st centuries which mirror consumers ever adapting tastes.
Vanilla is grown 20 degree either side of the equator, and since the 19th century demand has taken its monopoly away from Mexico, to be grown across the globe. Costa Rica, Guatemala, Uganda, Kenya, China, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands join this list, yet it is Madagascar where 80% of the worlds natural supply is grown (despite over 99% of vanilla being synthetic).
In Madagascar, where the average yearly income is $1500, a kilogram of vanilla can fetch between $400 and $500 dollars. This has led to far reaching social concerns for the growers of this most precious commodity which overtook silver earlier this year in its value. Growing demand from China has pushed up demand, leading to organised crime building up around the trade. This has called for growers to personally stamp their pods with their names to prove their ownership, as a well as 24 hour security for the pods to avoid theft.
The rise in an international taste for vanilla has created a series of benefits and consequences for the people of Madagascar, the rise of new ‘Vanillionaire’ class, opposes the spike in violent crime that the spice has facilitated. Only five years ago, it was trading at $20 a kilogramme against some $600 recently, yet there are fears that this could crash at any time. Thus, the instability of vanilla market, so too maps the vulnerability of those involved in its production as a result of growing demand from an increasingly globalising world.
Sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/02042190-65bc-11e8-90c2-9563a0613e56
https://www.ft.com/content/1c810c2a-286f-11e8-b27e-cc62a39d57a0
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/madagascar_vanillla