MANE promotes social justice through its Malagasy Vanilla value chain

To commemorate the UN World Day of Social Justice, MANE is reaffirming its commitment to the promotion of social justice. Already a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2003, MANE is working with various suppliers, many of whom are located in countries where social justice is a major issue. That is why this cause is so important to MANE and why it occupies a central role in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Among all the ingredients we source, Vanilla from Madagascar is one of the most important, not only for us but for the entire global food and drink industry. The way companies operate to source Vanilla have a significant impact on many people, especially the stakeholders of the Malagasy Vanilla value chain.

MANE is already recognised worldwide for the quality of its Vanilla portfolio. However, MANE wanted to go a step further by providing the most sustainable Vanilla solutions, including in terms of social justice, a key pillar in a sustainable value chain.

Social improvement starts with education. That is why MANE has been investing to develop education in Madagascar since 2017, particularly in Vohemar, where MANE plantations are located. So far, MANE has helped to build four classrooms and helped to develop a network for the distribution of 2,200 school kits. MANE has also helped set up a fully equipped library. Not only does this mean that students have access to a place where they can study and do research, but it also provides a place where literacy classes can be held for both children and adults.

Health support has also been an important area of contribution. MANE has notably contributed to the financing of the Vohemar hospital. MANE has also continuously maintained a health programme providing family planning, which benefits to 500 women a year, and HIV screening and awareness since 2018, which has benefited to 300 people a year since its inception. During the Covid pandemic, MANE also provided masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to 4,300 people.

Another area in which MANE is deeply committed to promoting social justice with regard to its Malagasy Vanilla value chain is wages. MANE ensures that Vanilla producers are paid a fair price for their harvest – fair meaning higher than market price – thus guaranteeing a decent wage for families who rely on Vanilla as their main source of income.

All of these actions are part of MANE’s pledge to improve social justice, a key pillar in its commitment to sustainable development and its CSR strategy, the scope of which is expected to grow in the years to come.