Vanora Trading logo
NLEN

Pure origin.
Unmatched aroma.

Vanora brings high-quality vanilla from Uganda directly to Europe. By staying close to both the source and the makers who use it, we keep the chain short and know where our vanilla comes from and where it ends up.

Ambachtelijk gedroogde Ugandese vanillepeulen in natuurlijk licht, met rijke textuur en direct-trade kwaliteit
Boeren in Oeganda sorteren groene vanillepeulen met de hand. Direct-trade herkomst en traceerbare kwaliteit bij Vanora Trading

From the fields of Uganda to our own processing

Vanora Trading brings high-quality vanilla directly from Uganda to Europe. We keep the chain deliberately short: from where the bean is grown to how we process it here.

We also make conscious choices when it comes to cultivation. Our vanilla is grown without the use of pesticides. For us, quality starts with the way the bean is grown. By taking care at this stage, we give the natural character of the vanilla room to shine.

This is where the second part of the story begins for us.

I process part of our vanilla myself, in small batches, into products such as pure vanilla powder and vanilla paste. By working with the beans myself, I continue to learn the product from a different perspective — from its structure and aroma to the way it behaves during processing. I take that knowledge back into the products I develop for other makers.

Authentic Origin

A direct relationship with our producer in Uganda and full transparency at every step of the chain.

Craft & Quality

Careful selection, natural curing and a rich aromatic profile in every vanilla bean.

Long-Term Partnerships

Fair, lasting relationships with farmers and craftspeople, built on trust.

Simplicity & Integrity

Pure quality, without unnecessary intermediaries or empty marketing claims.

From origin to finished product: a short chain, personal commitment and vanilla we get to know through and through.

The Story Behind Vanora

Vanora Trading grew from my connection to Uganda.

I'm Jannes, born and raised in the Netherlands. With a background in cultural anthropology, I have always been interested in the people, relationships and stories behind products and supply chains. During the years I spent in Uganda, my connection to the country grew deeper — through its landscapes, its people, and eventually through my wife. Today, I regularly move between Uganda and the Netherlands.

Through this connection, I came into contact with a Ugandan family business that grows its own vanilla and cures the beans with care and craftsmanship. The quality of their vanilla immediately stood out to me. At the same time, I saw an opportunity to do things differently: to keep the distance between the producer and the makers who work with vanilla as short as possible.

That is how Vanora began.

I source the vanilla directly from the producer in Uganda and bring it to Europe, where I work closely with ice cream makers, chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers and other makers. Through these collaborations, I continue to discover what makes great vanilla special — and what it takes to bring its full character to the surface.

Alongside sourcing and trading, I have gradually developed a deeper understanding of the product itself. I now also process part of the beans in small batches into products such as vanilla powder and vanilla paste. Working with the beans myself has taught me to see vanilla not only as a raw ingredient, but as a product with its own character — how its aroma, texture and flavour evolve through different forms of processing.

That is what Vanora stands for: vanilla with a clear origin, directly connected to the people who grow it and the makers who bring it to life.

Jannes, founder of Vanora Trading, in Uganda.
Founder of Vanora: Jannes Merkx
Close-up of artisanally processed Ugandan vanilla beans on a light plate.

Carefully crafted. Pure in character.

From careful curing to our own processing, every step is about preserving what makes vanilla naturally exceptional — its depth, warmth and complexity.

We process our selected vanilla beans in small batches into 100% pure vanilla powder and rich vanilla paste. With controlled temperatures and carefully balanced recipes, we aim to preserve as much of the bean's natural character as possible.

Vanillin is only one part of the story.

What many people know as 'vanilla flavour' is vanillin: a single aroma compound responsible for the familiar taste of vanilla. But a real vanilla bean is far more complex. A range of natural aroma and flavour compounds come together to create depth, warmth and nuance.

The difference is not in a single aroma, but in the layered character of the bean — a richness you can taste and that continues to unfold in every preparation.

That character begins with the bean — and deserves care at every step that follows.

  • Curing & Drying

    Carefully dried for an optimal moisture balance and a rich aromatic profile.

  • Sorting & Selection

    Hand-selected for length, weight and texture.

  • In-House Processing

    Artisanally processed in small batches, with attention to flavour, texture and consistency.

  • Storage & Transport

    Cool, dark and airtight. From farmer to customer.

Sourced directly. Selected with care.

Our vanilla comes directly from our producer in Uganda. We select for quality, aroma and ripeness, and process part of the same beans ourselves into powder and vanilla paste.

Pile of glossy Ugandan Grade A vanilla beans on a white background, sourced directly from our producer in Uganda.
01

Vanilla Beans

Ugandan Vanilla planifolia · Grade A

The origin of real vanilla.

Vanora Vanilla Beans are sourced directly from our producer in Uganda and carefully selected for professional applications. By using the whole bean, you capture not only the seeds, but also the full aromatic character of the pod.

For
ice cream · pastry · chocolate · cream · infusions · savoury applications

From the same bean. Processed in our own way.

We process part of our vanilla ourselves in small batches into powder and vanilla paste. That way we stay close not only to the origin of the bean, but also to what happens next.

Discover our processing
Spoon of Vanora Vanilla Caviar Paste with visible vanilla seeds, above an open jar.
02

Vanora Vanilla Caviar Paste

Real vanilla caviar · artisanally processed

The richness of real vanilla. Ready to use.

Vanora Vanilla Caviar Paste is a rich vanilla paste with real vanilla seeds and vanilla extract from Ugandan vanilla beans. Developed for professionals who want the full character of vanilla in their recipes, including the familiar look of real black vanilla seeds.

For
chocolate · ice cream · creams · cookie dough · desserts · finishing
Vanora Vanilla Powder, finely ground vanilla.
03

Vanora Vanilla Powder

100% ground vanilla beans

The whole vanilla bean. Finely ground.

Vanora Vanilla Powder is made from the same selected Ugandan Grade A beans as our whole vanilla beans. By grinding the whole bean (including the aromatic skin, seeds and pulp) we keep the full character of the vanilla.

For
chocolate · ice cream · cookie dough · dry mixes · custards · finishing

Why Vanora?

Directly from Uganda

We buy directly from our producer and know the origin of our vanilla.

Small batches

We process our vanilla ourselves and keep batches deliberately small.

Made for professionals

From bean to powder and paste: products developed for ice-cream makers, pastry chefs and chocolatiers.

Good vanilla, made more accessible

Real vanilla should not be limited to professional kitchens. We want to make high-quality vanilla accessible to more people, with products that are carefully made and priced fairly — without compromising on quality.

Vanilla that fits your product.

Every application asks for something different. Whether you work with chocolate, ice cream, pastry or your own recipe, we are happy to help you find the right vanilla, form and dosage.

Tell us what you make. We will help you find the vanilla that lets your product come into its own.

From small quantities to bulk.

Vanora supplies high-quality Ugandan vanilla and artisanally processed vanilla products to ice-cream makers, pastry chefs, chocolatiers, bakeries and other makers.

You can also easily share the story behind our vanilla with your customers. It adds a sense of origin to your product, alongside the flavour.

Vanilla Powder & Caviar Paste

For direct use in ice cream, pastry, chocolate and other preparations.

Get in touch

Bulk & custom

For businesses looking for larger volumes or a specific form of processing.

Discuss your needs

Let's start a conversation.

Whether you want to enquire about vanilla beans, artisanally processed vanilla products, or discuss a bulk requirement: we typically reply within one working day.