Worries for vanilla

Recent political unrest in Madagascar may affect the vanilla output of the world’s top producer

Tensions have risen sharply in the country, one of the largest global producers of vanilla amid clashes between government and opposition supporters and a new wave of looting.

The country’s new president Andry Rajoelina ousted former president Marc Ravalomanana after weeks of civil unrest that killed more than 135 people on the Indian Ocean island.

Ravalomanana handed over power to the military last week. They in turn conferred power on Rajoelina. Foreign leaders from Africa, Europe and America have labelled the army-backed takeover a coup. Political turmoil has racked Madagascar since the start of 2009 and damaged its thriving tourist industry, investment in its rich oil and mineral resources and its vanilla production.

Related content

Leave a reply

Confectionery Production