# Sao Tome’s Vanilla: Global Fans Taste Unique Spice

> Worldwide fans discover Sao Tome’s rare vanilla, grown on a tiny island with a history of cocoa.
- Title: Sao Tome’s Vanilla: Global Fans Taste Unique Spice | Shortify
- Summary: Worldwide fans discover Sao Tome’s rare vanilla, grown on a tiny island with a history of cocoa. Sao Tome’s vanilla, grown by local farmers, is now sought…
- Keywords: sao tome, vanilla, cocoa, l'atelier vanilha, juliette dohar, francesco mai, mathilde roellinger, epices roellinger, michelin-starred, europe, premium markets, vanilla cultivation
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/life/2026/10/17/far-from-plain-fans-worldwide-discover-sao-tomes-niche-vanilla/239345
- Published: 2026-10-17T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sao tome, vanilla, cocoa, l'atelier vanilha, juliette dohar, francesco mai, mathilde roellinger, epices roellinger, michelin-starred, europe, premium markets, vanilla cultivation
## Sao Tome’s Vanilla Revival
Sao Tome has resumed growing vanilla, the world’s second most expensive spice, to diversify its economy.
## Vanilla’s Economic Promise
Vanilla cultivation brings larger profits once or twice a year for farmers compared to cocoa’s small annual earnings.
## Local Farmers’ Investment
Ifrasio de Barros Rompao, a Sao Tome farmer, invested in vanilla after his mother grew cocoa, saying it provides essential income for his family.
## Vanilla’s Unique Flavor
Sao Tome vanilla has notes of cocoa nibs, floral elegance with violet notes, and hints of small red berries.
## European Market Appeal
Michelin-starred chefs in France, Switzerland, and Belgium target Sao Tome vanilla for premium grocery shops and fine dining.
## Vanilla Production Process
Vanilla takes up to three or four years to develop flowers, then undergoes sun drying, indoor drying, massaging, scalding, fermentation, and curing.
## L’Atelier Vanilha’s Role
L’Atelier Vanilha, co-founded by Juliette Dohar and Francesco Mai, buys vanilla from 50 farmers to process locally before exporting to Europe.
## Historical Context
Sao Tome was once the world’s leading cocoa producer but shifted to vanilla after cocoa prices became volatile and plantations aged.
## Global Vanilla Market
Madagascar and Indonesia dominate global vanilla production with 3,000 tonnes between them, while Sao Tome remains a niche player.
## Sao Tome’s Flavor Profile
Sao Tome vanilla carries the island’s landscape, with floral elegance, violet notes, and hints of small red berries in its aroma.
## Vanilla’s Future
Sao Tome aims to achieve high quality vanilla for premium markets, targeting fine grocery shops and Michelin-starred restaurants globally.
## Key takeaway

Sao Tome’s vanilla, grown by local farmers, is now sought after by European chefs for its unique flavor profile.