VANILLA KNOWLEDGE

Madagascar Vanilla Bean Grades Guide

Grade A vs Grade B Explained

Madagascar vanilla beans are typically classified into three commercial grades: Grade A (Gourmet), Grade B (Extraction Grade), and Grade C (Industrial Grade). While many buyers assume the grades reflect quality alone, vanilla grading is primarily based on moisture content, bean condition, length, and intended application. Understanding these differences makes it much easier to choose the right vanilla for retail, baking, vanilla extract production, food manufacturing, or industrial processing.

Although grading terminology may vary slightly between suppliers, the principles remain consistent across the vanilla industry. This guide explains how Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are graded and how each grade is typically used.

BLACK GRADE

Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Grade A, often referred to as Gourmet Grade, represents the highest commercial grade of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans. These beans are recognised for their generous length, high moisture content, glossy appearance and exceptional flexibility.
Because the beans remain soft and visually attractive, they are the preferred choice whenever the whole vanilla pod becomes part of the finished product. Premium bakeries, pastry chefs, gourmet food manufacturers and retail brands typically select Grade A for both its appearance and flavour.

BLACK GRADE

Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Grade A, often referred to as Gourmet Grade, represents the highest commercial grade of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans. These beans are recognised for their generous length, high moisture content, glossy appearance and exceptional flexibility.
Because the beans remain soft and visually attractive, they are the preferred choice whenever the whole vanilla pod becomes part of the finished product. Premium bakeries, pastry chefs, gourmet food manufacturers and retail brands typically select Grade A for both its appearance and flavour.

BLACK GRADE

Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Grade A, often referred to as Gourmet Grade, represents the highest commercial grade of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans. These beans are recognised for their generous length, high moisture content, glossy appearance and exceptional flexibility.
Because the beans remain soft and visually attractive, they are the preferred choice whenever the whole vanilla pod becomes part of the finished product. Premium bakeries, pastry chefs, gourmet food manufacturers and retail brands typically select Grade A for both its appearance and flavour.

VANILLA FAQ

Questions About Vanilla Grades?

Find answers about choosing the right Madagascar vanilla grade, comparing specifications and selecting vanilla for your production needs.

Our minimum wholesale order is 25 kg. Contact us to discuss the products and quantities suitable for your business.

Yes. Samples are available to qualified B2B buyers considering a wholesale order. Submit the enquiry form with your company details, product of interest and estimated order quantity, and our team will review your request.

Submit our wholesale enquiry form with the product, estimated quantity and delivery destination. Our team will prepare an individual quotation based on your requirements.

Payment terms are agreed individually and confirmed in the quotation before the order is approved.

Yes. We ship wholesale vanilla orders worldwide, with delivery arranged individually for each destination.

Our vanilla beans are vacuum-packed in 5 kg bags and placed in 20 or 25 kg export cartons. Customised packaging, such as wax paper, is also available based on the buyer’s requirements.

We supply international orders under FOB, CIF or DAP Incoterms. The applicable shipping terms are agreed individually for each order.

Once your order is approved, we begin preparing the products and all required documentation immediately. Delivery timelines are confirmed individually for each order.

We can provide product specifications, a Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, organic documentation including a Certificate of Inspection (COI), Certificate of Analysis (COA), laboratory test results, Packing List, Invoice, PO and applicable certification documents.

Once the order is approved, we begin preparing all required product and shipping documentation immediately.