Vanilla Vida

This interview details Vanilla Vida, an Israeli indoor farming company developing technology for sustainably growing vanilla indoors. The interview is with Oren Zilberman, Co-Founder and CEO at Vanilla Vida.

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What is the origin story of Vanilla Vida?

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Vanilla Vida combines an ag-tech start up and food-tech start up with our ability to control the entire supply chain vertically. We are creating the highest quality vanilla ever made in the world. Using innovative technologies, data specific technologies, and a passionate team we have accomplished that goal so far. 

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Launched in 2019, we based our operation on successful growing research on vanilla done in Holland, which inspired us to create a concept different to growing in greenhouses. We control the entire growing and curing process, from seed to customer, ensuring quality and care at every stage.

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The technology developed results in 5x more vanilla yield per square foot, a superior aroma and flavor, a 20% reduction in growth cycle time, and an 85% reduction in curing process time.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing Vanilla Vida in the future?

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Currently the biggest challenge is sales, but we are expecting $1million in revenue in 2023. The next challenge is scaling the operation and creating more efficient processes with the demand we have created. 

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Also, expanding to more interesting and innovative business opportunities, innovation is our culture but translating that into scale has been our most intricate obstacle. 

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What is unique about Vanilla Vida compared to competitors? How do you measure the impact of your company so far? (Revenue, Employees, Customer Quantity, Production Volume) etc?

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We see ourselves as an ingredient company and not a vanilla bean company. We are a global company and we are growing climate controlled which allows us to grow anywhere in the world. Vanilla Vida competitors are transitional farmers which makes us far different than anyone.

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We started from a 2- 3 person operation to now we have 27 employees working to help expand and grow our company daily. 

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What have you learned that you wish you knew when you joined or started the company?

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How to adapt ourselves from 2 to 3 people, to build the team, and build the culture of the organization. Growing with the company and moving forward as and with the company. Learning to manage all aspects of a start-up company to manage the goals of the company. Put the right vision and then build a team that is strong and effective. 

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We have also learned  that customers are fascinated with our highest quality vanilla beans. They see us as innovative change makers in the agriculture space. 

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How can people connect with you or learn more about Vanilla Vida?

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You can visit our website at https://vanillavida.com, but note that in 2 months we are launching a new website

Also, you can find us on Linkedin and Instagram.

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