Only on Kickstarter—a new line of flavored extracts, from the world’s most awarded vanilla grown naturally & proudly in Tonga.
We’ve been producing the world’s most awarded vanilla since 2002, partnering with world class restaurants and bakeries like Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, The Grill & The Pool, and Ovenly to deliver delicious vanilla extract, pastes, beans, and more.
Now, exclusively through our Kickstarter campaign, we’re expanding our line with decadent new flavors infused with pure vanilla—coffee, berry, cocoa, pumpkin spice, peppermint, and oak aged vanilla!
Plus—when you pledge for any reward above NZ$ 55, we’ll plant a vanilla plant in your name!
“Why This Vanilla Is Loved by Michelin-Starred Pastry Chefs” — WSJ Magazine
In 2002, a hurricane hit the Kingdom of Tonga, a chain of islands in the South Pacific (near Fiji). After the disaster, a retired New Zealand farmer named John Ross rallied a group of friends to help with clean up one of the islands; Vava’u. Humbled by his help, a local family gifted John a plot of land on the island in exchange for him providing employment to the local community.
Soon after, John found out that vanilla had grown on the island before—so he traveled around the globe (to Tahiti, Reunion Islands, Mexico, and Costa Rica) to learn all he could about it. He discovered unique ways to plant and harvest all types of crops, and took those tips back with him to Vava’u. Upon his return, he planted his first crop of vanilla beans and harvested it three years later — all 99 pounds of it!
Upon harvesting, John’s daughter Jennifer took on the mission of finding a home for this vanilla. It was an easy sell with local New Zealand chefs, who said it was the best vanilla they’d ever had. At that point, Jennifer and her father knew they had something special—and together, they co-founded Heilala.
Providing employment and infrastructure across a number of communities, Heilala still to this day makes a significant impact on the Tongan economy—especially among its female employees.
Heilala is known for being a high-quality, all-natural vanilla brand—but also for delivering truly delicious flavor. From our distinctive flavor and counter-worthy packaging, to our humanitarian origin and mission that continues to this day, using Heilala feels as good as it tastes.
Since vanilla is always paired with other flavors, we thought, why not combine them? We’ve been dreaming up new fusions and are proud of what we’ve landed on as we expand our line with decadent new flavor-infused vanilla extracts.
We are so excited about launching this new line on Kickstarter—at a special discount just for you!—and know it will provide professional and home bakers with endless inspiration for their creations.
Coffee Vanilla Extract
Caffeine-lovers will revel in the smoky infusion of coffee with our coffee-vanilla extract. Perfect for use in cheesecakes, banana bread, and even home brew craft beer.
Berry Vanilla Extract
For a vibrant, strawberry and raspberry flavor, go with our berry infused extract. Goes great in white chocolate fudge, meringues, kombucha or home-made granola.
Cocoa Vanilla Extract
Our sinfully creamy cocoa infused extract is perfect for the sweet-toothed among us. Add a dash to cupcakes, tiramisu, creme brulée, cookies, and chocolate cake.
Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Extract
For an irresistibly nutty, smooth pop of flavor, you’ll want our Pumpkin Spice infused vanilla Extract. Add it to your coffee, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, and mulled wine.
Peppermint Vanilla Extract
A bold holiday favorite, our peppermint vanilla extract is a blend of invigorating mint oils making a wonderful addition to chocolate bark, cupcakes, hot chocolate or cocktails.
Oak aged vanilla
Just like our original vanilla extract, but with a more robust, deep, sultry flavor profile. Add it to virtually anything—milkshakes, rice pudding, oatmeal bowls, and waffles batter—you name it!
We can’t wait to see what you create with this variety of new flavors!
For us, vanilla is much more than a flavor — it’s our way of helping the people of Tonga build a thriving local industry and rich future for their children. We’re thankful for the incredible community that’s gathered behind Heilala, and are committed to creating social impact and inter-generational self-sufficiency, all while harvesting the world’s best quality vanilla.
Vanilla usually gets a bad rap. Boring. Bland. Plain.
Heilala vanilla is just the opposite — complex, rich, and bursting with flavor. It’s a star in its own right, but can just as easily balance, mellow, and give depth to baking.
Of course it’s delicious in cookies and cake, but there’s so much more you can do with vanilla. Check out quick, savory, and unexpected recipes curated by our team, partners, and community — and share your own creations with us on social at @HeilalaVanilla.
Jennifer Boggiss, Co-Founder and CEO
Jennifer was searching for a new challenge and a ‘purpose’ driven career when her father John started growing vanilla in Tonga. Today, after joining as co-founder and CEO, she has strong and respected connections in Tonga along with close relationships with the women who manage Heilala Vanilla Tonga and wider community groups within Tonga.
Ruby Grant, General Manager of Sales and Marketing
Ruby joined Heilala in 2010 with a background in design and advertising. She has built Heilala’s retail, foodservice and recently established digital channels. Ruby leads sales and marketing across all channels and markets.
John Ross, Supply Chain Manager and Co-Founder
John has been active and hands on in supporting many communities and villages in Tonga since 2002, working alongside farmers in developing vanilla farms. John has a wide and respected network in Tonga with farmers, community groups and the Royal family.
Garth Boggiss, Technical Director
Garth leads Research and Development, Production and Operations at Heilala Vanilla. Since the conception of Heilala, Garth has been the ‘vanilla maker’ creating and experimenting with vanilla extraction and growing vanilla in a thermally heated plastic house at the family property in New Zealand. He has developed specialized equipment and works closely with Heilala’s research partners.
Sela Latu, Tonga Farm Manager
Sela is the granddaughter of Laulille Latu, the village chief who gifted John the original plot of land. She has grown up around vanilla and worked at the farm since leaving high school. Sela liaises with smallholder growers in Tonga and is responsible for buying, curing and drying the island’s annual crop.
A big part of Heilala has been forming a community. We started by helping out a group of people when they needed it most, and they have given us so much in return. Now, we’re turning to Kickstarter to once again harness the power of a community—to connect with people who believe in our mission and our work, and to have them as part of the Heilala family.
We know this platform is about bringing people together, which is exactly how Heilala was formed. We’re excited to bring this project to life with you!
We’ve been creating vanilla products for over 10 years, so we know how the process goes! We’ve completed our testing of these flavors and just need to hit the green light on production. Should anything go off track with our development, timing, or delivery, we’ll tell all our contributors right away.