Vanilla & Vanillin

Vanilla and vanillin are among the most widely used flavouring products in the world, with estimated
total sales of around USD 500 million p.a. and a total volume of approximately 19,000 metric tons.
Natural vanilla represents less than 1% of total sales by volume.

Vanillin By Types Of Production:

1. Natural
2. Biosynthesis
3. Chemical Synthesis

1. Vanilla / Natural Vanillin.

Vanilla tree grown in different places with major production are : Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti and
Indonesia — has different taste and potency profiles. Madagascar vanilla, typically called Bourbon
vanilla, is highly sought for its rummy taste and sweet aroma. Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla
orchid. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and is one of the primary sources for vanilla
flavouring, due to its high vanillin content. Second V. tahitensis, grown in the Tahiti, it is the second
most common species of orchid used commercially to produce vanilla flavoring.

“Vanilla is among the most challenging flavors to match because the vanilla wheel has dozens of
flavors.” Pure vanilla extract is characterized by its delicate fruity, sweet, spicy flavor and aroma, which
is a complex mixture of natural ingredients. Resinous, prune, woody, floral /perfumery and rummy
notes are also commonly associated with vanilla. Sensory graphs, or flavor profiles, with the text
describing each of the major bean types, are presented here to delineate their flavor differences.

A flavor wheel is how the food community tracks the specific attributes of an ingredient, food, or
beverage. The vanilla wheel used by the flavor company Fona International measures fully 29 distinct
flavor characteristics. They are grouped into 10 main categories: smoky, spicy, botanical, sulfury,
sweet, creamy, medicinal, cooked, fatty, and floral.

Natural vanillin (Vanilla) is produced from vanilla extracts, which is scarce and involves expensive
processing. It is extracted from the seed pods of Vanilla planifolia. The harvested pods are cured over
several months as the natural green seed pods lack the vanilla flavor.

2. Biosynthesis Vanillin.

Food companies that abandon synthetic vanillin can turn to natural vanillin from sources other than
vanilla beans. Biosynthetically, vanillin is produced from phenylpropanoid pathway or benzoate
pathway. Bio vanillin has the potential to emerge as a green product in Europe as well as North
America because consumers in these regions have become more health conscious and averse to
petrochemical-derived products. This increasing reliance on natural and bio-derived products is
anticipated to boost the bio vanillin market in North America and Europe.
One of the most intensively studied biotransformations to produce natural vanillin is the conversion of
natural ferulic acid, a naturally occuring cinnamic acid. Over a decade ago, a natural vanillin was
introduced that was obtained via the bioconversion of ferulic acid using a wild strain.

Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound, mainly found in rice bran oil. This natural
bioconversion process enables the transformation of this ferulic acid, isolated from a natural source,
into vanillin. The natural vanillin obtained in such conditions is the same as vanillin present in natural
vanilla beans. It displays a strong natural vanillin character, with a soft, sweet and powdery note and a
touch of caramel.

This natural vanillin obtained by the bioconversion of natural ferulic acid is a good alternative to the
one obtained from vanilla beans, due to the latter’s limited availability and price fluctuations. It is a
solution of choice to meet natural flavours market needs, especially for packaged food requiring natural
labels. For example, Solvay makes Rhovanil Natural vanillin by fermenting / bioconversion of ferulic
acid, a by-product of rice bran oil, using a proprietary strain of yeast, which is the only natural vanillin
on a global basis

As a matter of fact, other types of ‘so-called’ natural vanillins cannot be considered natural according to
some legislations. For instance, vanillin produced from eugenol, with clove being the original source, is
actually produced by the hemisynthesis of eugenol. This involves a chemical step and therefore cannot
be fully considered as a traditional and natural process, nor labelled in Europe and the US as ‘natural
flavours’. The French flavor company Mane uses eugenol from clove oil, to make natural vanillin.

In a review of natural vanillin, Nethaji Gallage and Birger Møller, plant scientists at the University of
Copenhagen, found that both ferulic acid and eugenol are pricey raw materials (Mol. Plant 2015, DOI:
10.1016/j.molp.2014.11.008).

Production of eugenol is industrialized because the molecule is used to produce various flavors and
fragrances, but its price tag is still around $50 per kg, the researchers say. Naturally extracted ferulic
acid costs even more, around $180 per kg.

Compared with synthesizing vanillin from petroleum or extracting it from vanilla beans, bioconversion
via yeast and bacteria presents limitations, Gallage and Møller note. High concentrations of both ferulic
acid and eugenol are toxic to most microbes, as is vanillin. Indeed, all both compounds are made by
plants as antimicrobials.

3. Chemical Synthesis Vanillin

Synthetic vanillin made by chemical synthesis, vanillin is produced from guaiacol (precursor of
petrochemicals) or lignin. Guaiacol-derived vanillin is an established commercial market owing to the
lower price of the product despite no product differentiation.
Lignin based vanillin is recorded to have rich flavour in comparison to other artificial vanillin. The tiny
amounts of other aromatic components that come from lignin. “They add to the intensity and the
roundness of the aroma profile, in effect giving it a stronger and creamier flavor compared to the
equivalent amount of petroleum-derived vanillin.” Vanillin produced from lignin is marketed as a
premium product and is therefore priced higher. Even though only a fraction of the total lignin obtained
is used for the manufacturing of vanillin, lignin is actually an abundant natural resource and can also be
obtained from sources such as wood, leaves, straw, cereals, stems, fruits, and vegetables.

Synthetic vanillin is used more often than natural vanilla extract and bio vanillin.

Commercially, there are two types of vanillin namely ethyl vanillin and methyl vanillin (commercially
said Vanillin Powder). Ethyl vanillin is expensive and is stronger than methyl vanillin. Ethyl vanillin is a
white crystalline powder with strong vanilla flavour. It is an important synthetic essence and is used as
food additive. Methyl vanillin is white crystals with mild vanilla planifolia flavour.

Synthetic Vanillin By Types:

• Methyl Vanillin (marketed as Vanillin Powder / Crystal)

• Ethyl Vanillin

Vanillin is used for flavour and aroma in food and beverage industry specifically for confectionaries,
bakery products, ice creams, candies, biscuits, chocolates and others. In fragrance industry, it is
majorly used in perfumes. In addition, it is used as flavouring and aromatic mask in medicines,
toothpastes, cleaning products and livestock fodders. Vanillin acts as a chemical intermediate in the
production of pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals.

Global vanillin market can be segmented based on its applications such as food and beverages,
pharmaceuticals, fragrance, bakeries, oral care, toys, tobbaco and others.

Food & beverages and pharmaceuticals are the major applications in the global vanillin market.
Artificial or chemically synthesized vanillin is preferred over naturally produced vanillin; owing to the
economy of scales.
The vanillin market is growing rapidly owing to demand from bakery and confectionary industry in the
countries such as India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Indonesia. Asia Pacific region is the
major vanillin market in terms of demand and expected to be major revenue generating market over
the forecast period. The major constraint to this market is the growing health concerns regarding the
chemically synthesized vanillin.

Vanillin By Applications:

• Food and Beverages

• Pharmaceutical
• Bakery
• Oral care
• Toys
• Tobacco
• Others

Artificial Versus Natural Vanillin

It is the position of the TTB that vanillin from vanilla beans is natural. In addition to vanillin from
vanilla beans, the Nonbeverage Products Laboratory has received notification from the U. S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) that the fermentation process for the manufacture of vanillin as submitted
to them by the following companies for the specifically-identified product has been determined to be a
natural process resulting in a natural product.

• Rhodia, Inc. for their product, Rhovanil ® Natural, obtained by fermentation from ferulic acid.
• Comax Flavors for their product, VANI-MAX™
• Symrise for their product, Symvanil
• Apple Flavors and Fragrances for their product VanilAFF™
• Ennolys– Ennallin®
• Premium Flavor Systems (PFS) for their product PurVan™
• Xiamen Bestally Biotechnology Co., Ltd for their product Bestvanil™
• Advanced Biotech for their product ABTVanforall™

This applies only to the specific process submitted by companies listed above and not to any other
processes for the production of vanillin. For further information, please contact the FDA.

All other sources (clove, turmeric, lignin, eugenol) are considered artificial and should be labeled
accordingly on TTB Form 5154.1.

Major Companies in Global Vanillin Market

Leading players in global vanillin market are Borregaard, Solvay SA, Jiaxing Zhonghua Chemical
Industry Co., Ltd., Evolva Holding SA, Watkins Natural Gourmet, Virginia Dare, Shanghai Xinjia, Zibo
Svolei, Synnova Chemicals and Prinova Group LLC.

Estimate Market Share :

Vanillin : Zhonghua : 10.000 MT, Solvay : 6000-7000 MT, Wanglong : 2000 MT = 19,000 MT

Borregaard only produce lignin Vanilin, purchase its Vanillin and Ethyl Vanillin from Zhonghua
Chemicals and labeled as own.

Ethyl Vanillin : Solvay 3000 MT, Zhonghua 2500 MT, Borregaard : 1000 MT, Thirve 800 MT = 7300
MT

Natural Vanillin : Majority by Vanillin ex Clove with producer such as Asia Essence Daily Aroma 500 Mt,
Bestallay Biotechnology 300 MT and recently Indesso Aroma.

While in Global bio vanillin market share is at development phase. Solvay, Ennloys, Evolva, and Apple
Flavor & Fragrance Group are major industry players.
1. Jiaxing Zhonghua Chemicals Co., Ltd

JIAXING ZHONGHUA CHEMICAL Co., Ltd. is located in South Lake District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang
Province founded in 1976. It is one of the national medium-sized enterprises, top 500 Chinese
chemical enterprises. With annual capacity 10,000MT for Vanillin and 2,000MT for ethyl-vanillin, sales
value USD 286 million made Zhonghua the largest vanillin manufacturing, one of the top 500
chemical companies in China. 90% of all products are exported to Europe, the United States,
Southeast Asia and other major countries.

Company covers area of over 5 million square meter of an industrial park, with power, gas, water
and other public facilities. JIAXING ZHONGHUA CHEMICAL INDUSTRY Co., Ltd had more than 1100
employees. Up to now, the total assets of it reached 2.5 billion Euros.

Focus on vanillin's production, the company has created a perfect industry supply chain and the
product line includes vanillin, ethyl vanillin, guaiacol, o-Nitrochlorobenzene, o-Aminoanisole, ortho-
Vanillin, glyoxylic acid and others. Use the advance technology, especially the patent technology which
has self-owned intellectual property rights to produce the Guaiacol and vanillin.

Continuing to take the path of green recycling economy development as well to reduce the production
cost, enhance the technological content and improve the international competitiveness.

Jiaxing Zhonghua Chemical Co., Ltd. was among the first companies in its sector to achieve the ISO
9001:2008 certification for Business Quality, the ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, the
FSSC2200: 2010 , Halal, Kosher, GMP certificate for food safety management, and get the BRC
certificate in 2015

"ETERNAL PEARL" BRAND

"ETERNAL PEARL" BRAND using for Vanillin and Ethyl Vanillin are our leading product was awarded the
name brand product and famous of Zhejiang Province.

http://www.zhhhg.com/en/

Shanghai Xinhua Perfume Co. Ltd.

Focusing on the development, manufacturing and distribution of vanillin products. As one of the top
vanillin producer in China and worldwide.

In 1950's

Based on the technical support from Soviet Union, through self-development, Shanghai Xinhua
Perfume Factory successfully developed China’s first vanillin producing line. “Polar Bear” vanillin was
born and registered as protected brand.

The end of 20th Century

During the period of state-owned-company reform, Shanghai Xinhua Perfume Factory was acquired by
Shanghai Jahwa.

In 2003

Shanghai Jahwa cooperates with Jiaxing Zhonghua to establish “Shanghai Xinhua Perfume Co. Ltd."
The new team was founded by "old Xinhua" employees. Nowdays the product was marketed
under same team of Jiaxing Zhonghua Chemicals Co Ltd.

“Polar Bear” Brand is the oldest vanillin and ethyl vanillin brand in China. Today, “Polar Bear” vanillin is
not only distributed to the US, EU, SEA, but also to those emerging markets like Middle-east, South-
America and East Europe. At present, our products are covering 32 countries around the world.

http://www.shxhperfume.com/
2.Solvay SA

The major manufacturers are focusing on increasing their production capacities to meet the growing
demand for vanillin. For example, Solvay SA has doubled its natural vanillin production capacity at its
Melle plant since December 2013.

Rhovanil® Vanillin Natural

is obtained by bioconversion of a natural organic compound found in rice bran: ferulic acid. It can act
as an alternative and/or complete any natural vanillin obtained from vanilla beans. Rhovanil® Natural
satisfies food international players. Vanilla beans cannot cover the worldwide need and, as a
consequence, the prices reach an all-time high. Thanks to our patented and exclusive biofermentation
process, Rhovanil® Natural is the only natural vanillin product available on the market in line with both
European 1334/2008 and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 21CFR101.22 regulations regarding
natural labeling; it has even been approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB)**. Regarding Rhovanil® Natural, it is manufactured in Melle thanks to our unique process and
traceability commitment. It is both cost-competitive and delicious and its “natural status” makes it a
very special product in terms of possibilities.

Rhovanil® Vanillin

Solvay industrial know-how made Rhovanil® from Catechol to Guaiacol, Rhovanil® is manufactured
through a clean and safe manufacturing chain, fully mastered our production sites. Rhovanil® Vanillin
produce in North America (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), Europe (Lyon, France), and China (Zhenjiang,
Jiangsu Province) via a clean and sustainable route (in-house ex-catechol guaiacol). We prevent our
product from any risk of cross contamination by using the best-in-class technology. Our process is
cleaner and safer than the ONCB route for instance (Orthonitrochlorobenzene).

• The highest purity level on the market

• Outstanding organoleptic properties (sweet and creamy vanilla scents)
• Consistent physicochemical properties (e.g. excellent solubility)

Rhodiarome® Ethyl vanillin, it has been invented in the 1970’s by Solvay dedicated food experts.
Three times stronger than vanillin, our ethyl vanillin range provides warm and powerful vanilla notes in
every application.

Rhodiarome® ethyl-vanillin will provide strong vanilla notes in pastry and confectionery. It is an
intense food ingredient compound providing strong ethyl-vanillin notes, 3 times stronger than vanillin.

In cakes, biscuits, and chocolates, Rhodiarome® ethyl-vanillin will perfectly suit your sweet and
creamy needs. Indeed, Rhodiarome® makes your aromatic formulations a lot more “gourmand”.

With its high purity level and its excellent solubility, Rhodiarome® provides consistent organoleptic and
olfactive advantages. It is a cost-efficient solution designed for specific applications.

Our vanillin and ethyl-vanillin range of products ensures complete traceability all along the
manufacturing chain and provides consistency and quality thanks to dedicated on-site controls.

Taste test labs for product development

The first Vanil’Expert Center was inaugurated in 2011 in our historical vanillin cradle of Saint-Fons, at
the heart of the Solvay Research and innovation Center of Lyon (France).

A second one opened few months later in Shanghai, to propose customized vanillin and vanilla flavors
adapted to the Chinese taste and specific applications i.e. milk tea, or chocolate snack.

In addition to these two cutting-edge laboratories, the Singapore Vanil’Expert center opens in 2014 to
guide our customers in the Asia-pacific food markets.
Vanilla Flavor Develop by Solvay :

Vanifolia™ range of natural flavors proposes a differentiating sensory experience in all food
applications, in addition to its essential natural labeling benefit. Specifically designed for food players
looking for ‘Natural flavor’ labeling at a larger scale, Vanifolia™ can support such crucial labeling stake
in Europe, USA and more.

Vanifolia™ Bean is proposed specifically for applications that require a ‘Natural vanilla flavor’
labeling, a key purchasing factor for a growing percentage of consumers. This range can also be
labeled as ‘Natural flavor’ in USA and a large majority of countries.

Govanil™ : The overall vanilla flavor intensity of our functional food solution is 20% more intense than
standard vanillin-based flavors. Govanil™ combines taste and performance while anticipating future
flavor trends in food.

http://www.safevanillin.com/en/index.html

2. Borregaard
Has developed a broad portfolio of vanillin products, as single component products (EuroVanillin Pure),
as blended products (EuroVanillin Plus) and as products tailor-made for the end product (EuroVanillin
Expert). Although Borregaard’s vanillin is considered artificial by regulators, many food makers prefer it
to vanillin made from petrochemical feedstocks because it is considered sustainable, says Amie Byholt,
the company’s U.S. director for sales and marketing. It is made from a renewable raw material in a
facility that uses 90% of its biomass in products and the rest for energy.

EuroVanillin Pure

Vanillin made from Wood, Ethyl Vanillin made in Norway, and Vanillin made from Guaiacol

1. EuroVanillin Supreme

Sustainable - trees used as raw material, renewable sourcing, lowest CO2-footprint. Premium Vanillin
with creamy pure Vanilla taste. Vanillin made from Lignin. Intensity around 1,2 compared to standard.
Vanillin from Guaiacol.

2. EuroVanillin Regular

Vanillin made from Guaiacol. Intensity around 1 compared to standard.

3. EuroVanillin Aromatic

Ethylvanillin made from Guaiacol. Strong and intense Vanillin taste. Lower dosage, less cost-in-use.
Intensity around 2.7 compared to standard.
3. Ningbo Wanglong Tech Co.,Ltd is
located in the new town of coastal city, Yuyao near the beautiful Hangzhou Bay. The registered capital
of our company is 101.8 million, total investment of fixed assets more than 680 million.
Our company mainly produces acetic acid derivatives, which are divided into four categories: food
additives, medicine intermediates, farm chemical intermediates, intermediates for printing and dyeing
industry. Among them:

• food additives: annual production capacity of sorbic acid is 50 thousand tons,potassium

sorbate 40 thousand tons, vanillin 5000 tons, dehydroacetic acid 5000 tons, sodium
dehydroacetate 5000 tons

• basic organic raw materials: annual production capacity of diketene is 50 thousand tons,
acetic anhydride 160 thousand tons;

Main Trader :

Shanghai Fuxin Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.

(former Shanghai Jahwa (Group) Co. Ltd. ) was established in 2004. We are a specialized import and
export company in Food Additive, Cosmetic Additive and Pharmaceutical Industries. Shanghai Fuxin
have developed several series of products: Synthetic Aromatic Chemicals, Nature product, Special Fine
Chemicals for food and cosmetics. With several years experience in this field, Shanghai Fuxin has been
the agent of products manufactured by Shanghai Xinhua Perfumery Co., Ltd., Shanghai General
Perfumery Factory, Shanghai HuaBao Peacock Flavor and Fragrance Co., Ltd., etc. The brands we deal
with are: “Polar Bear”, “Peacock”, “Eternal Pearl”, “Diamond”, etc. Our key products are Vanillin,
Menthol, synthetic esters, preservatives, sweeteners, aromatic chemicals and Pharmaceutical
intermediates.