Equator Gourmet – From the Heart of the Equator, to the Heart of Your Kitchen

 

 

At Equator Gourmet, we are more than just a vanilla brand — we are a movement for purity, integrity, and purpose. Born out of a passion for ethical sourcing and exceptional quality, our mission is simple:

To deliver the world’s finest Planifolia vanilla beans directly from Uganda to conscious consumers, chefs, and creators around the globe.

Our Story

It started with a question:

“Why does something as pure as vanilla lose its soul before reaching the shelf?”

That question led us to Uganda — a land blessed with volcanic soil, equatorial sunshine, and a rich legacy of organic farming. There, we found what the world had forgotten: vanilla as it was meant to be — hand-pollinated, sun-cured, and nurtured with wisdom passed down through generations.

Our journey began with heartfelt conversations in local villages, where farmers spoke of their struggles with inconsistent buyers, unfair prices, and a lack of knowledge in post-harvest handling. We listened. We learned. And we acted. We founded our company with a clear mission: to connect Ugandan vanilla farmers directly with ethical markets and ensure they receive a fair return for their hard work. We believed that with the right support and partnerships, Uganda could emerge as a global leader in high-quality vanilla — and that our farmers deserved a chance to thrive.

What began as a sourcing trip turned into a calling.

We partnered directly with smallholder farmers who cultivate Vanilla Planifolia using time-honored, sustainable methods. We cut out middlemen, paid farmers fairly, and invested in communities. This became the backbone of our promise: no shortcuts, no compromise.

What Makes Our Vanilla Different

Grade A & B Planifolia Vanilla Beans:

• Grown organically under natural shade

• Sun-dried, hand-selected, and moisture-checked

• Grade A: moist, plump, aromatic — perfect for baking and gourmet cuisine

• Grade B: drier, potent — ideal for extracts and infusions

Every bean we ship is traceable, ethical, and packed with intention.

Our Core Values

Sustainability – We promote eco-friendly farming that respects the Earth and ensures future harvests.

Transparency – From pricing to sourcing, we believe in full honesty with our customers and farmers.

Quality – We refuse to compromise on the excellence of our beans.

Fair Partnership – We work hand-in-hand with Ugandan farmers, ensuring they thrive.

Education – We share knowledge so you know exactly what you’re buying — and why it matters.

Integrity – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards at every step.

Why Uganda?

Uganda is one of the few countries in the world that naturally supports the full cultivation cycle of vanilla. Its unique terroir — warm climate, fertile soil, and steady rainfall — results in vanilla beans that are bold, creamy, and deeply aromatic.

Unlike mass-farmed beans from over-commercialized regions, our vanilla tells the story of its land, its people, and its purpose.

Meet the Founders

We are a team of global entrepreneurs, chefs, and advocates for ethical commerce — united by a love for flavour and fairness. Our roots span East Africa and North America, but our mission is universal:

Bring real vanilla back. Support real people. Create real impact.

Let’s Build Something Honest Together

Whether you’re a home baker, a five-star chef, a retailer, or a skincare formulator — Equator Gourmet invites you to experience vanilla the way it should be:

authentic, traceable, and full of soul.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Contact Us:

equatorgourmet@gmail.com
+1 (604) 729-9979
+1 (672) 667-4716