Our Story to Your Table: Heilala Vanilla was started by the Ross family as an aid project in 2002. After a cyclone ravaged the Kingdom of Tonga, a chain of islands in the South Pacific (Polynesia), the New Zealand family partnered with a family in the village of Utungake to establish a small vanilla plantation.
As a result, they have provided employment and infrastructure making a significant impact on the Tongan economy - especially among its female employees.
The World's Most Awarded Vanilla: Muti-award winning 100% Pure Vanilla - Heilala Vanilla continues to be honored by the food industry, with multiple awards celebrating its journey to becoming a globally recognized premium food ingredient brand that has strong connections to both its customers and its supply chain.
World Renowned Chefs Know - It's About the Flavor: "I like to use ingredients that create a noticeable difference in simple foods. For example, vanilla ice cream is vanilla ice cream, but when you use Heilala Vanilla beans, it transforms something simple into something special. Ingredients make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary, and that is why we use quality ingredients such as Heilala Vanilla Beans." - Chef Ken Takayama Mélisse Restaurant, California "The intoxicating aroma and taste of Heilala Vanilla make my dishes come alive with flavor. Their incredible quality Vanilla Paste adds outstanding depth to my desserts...and I just can't get enough of it!" - Chef Jamie Gwen, USA "Heilala is a unique bean in every aspect, and that's why I use them. Everything from a true family started farm to the rich and powerful aroma and flavor of the bean. To me, these are some of the best vanilla beans on the planet." - Stephanie Prida - Pastry Chef, The Pool & The Grill NYC
