Our passion
Our Farm
Khao Yai is a prime agricultural region, providing a cold winter and ample sunshine, an ideal climate for Vanilla planifolia to flourish and produce flowering buds in the winter season. During the rainy season, Khao Yai’s lush greenery provides shade and humidity to ripen the young beans. The region’s distinctive micro and macro climates encapsulate the rich aromas in our vanilla beans making Khao Yai a unique terroir for vanilla cultivation.
Our story
Khao Yai Vanilla - The History
Rooted in a modest backyard, Khao Yai Vanilla, spearheaded by winemaker Nikki and fueled by the shared passion of Bonny, originated from two plants gifted over a decade ago. Intrigued by their resilience, Nikki embarked on pioneering vanilla cultivation in Thailand in 2015. What began as a captivating journey has evolved into a 5000-plant vanilla farm, seamlessly blending Khao Yai terroir and modern farming practices.
Our Humble Beginnings:
From a modest backyard farm, Khao Yai Vanilla has evolved into a renowned name among bakers and chefs. A family friend gave two plants over 10 years ago and with little care they were lost amongst the foliage in the garden. A few years later they were spotted flourishing and flowering in the wild.
The Spark of Inspiration:
Nikki, a winemaker in Khao Yai, Thailand, was fascinated by the vanilla’s resilience in the wild and its unexpected ability to flower and bear beans, similar to grape vines. This sensory parallel with wine intrigued her, inspiring a desire to pioneer vanilla cultivation in Thailand.
The Journey Unfolds:
In 2015, Nikki embarked on this venture, initially propagating a dozen vanilla plants. By 2017, Khao Yai Vanilla celebrated its first harvest, spurring Nikki’s determination to establish a global presence in the vanilla scene. Overcoming challenges in the curing process, 2018 marked a significant harvest, prompting a substantial expansion in her backyard.
A Partnership and Shared Vision:
In 2022, Nikki partnered with Bonny, sharing a passion for farming and a commitment to realizing the vanilla dream. Together, they’ve established shade houses, planted over 5,000 vines, and continue to expand. Their mission is to produce the finest-grade vanilla beans from Khao Yai, showcasing the region’s unique aromas.
Timeline
2015 : Propagated and planted a dozen vines
2017 : A humble first harvest
2018 : Expansion
2020 : Sizable harvest from 250 plants
2023: Expand to one of the biggest producers in Thailand
Our Vision
To excel as a premier producer of single-origin vanilla from Khao Yai, Thailand. Driven by the aspiration to encapsulate our vanilla’s unique essence of Khao Yai’s terroir, the commitment is to cultivate vanilla beans that authentically reflect the local environment's rich flavors and aromas.
Our Mission
Offer the world some of the finest vanilla beans, cultivated sustainably with care by our dedicated team. To take you on a sensory journey that respects the beauty and authenticity of Khao Yai region.
Our Team
Nikki Lohitnavy
Founder and Managing Director
Bachelor of Oenology and
Honors in Viticulture
Nikki is the first and only fully-qualified winemaker of Thailand. She is the General Manager, Oenologist and Winemaker of her family property, GranMonte, since 2008. She is a pioneer in tropical viticulture and has changed the face of grape growing and winemaking in Thailand. She also contributed to the Asian wine scene as Technical Advisor of the Thai Wine Association and Viticulture and Winemaking Coordinator of Asian Wine Producers Association. She registered Khao Yai as a Geographical Indication for wine in 2018 and now looking at the same for Vanilla
Bonny Babu
Founder and CEO
Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics
and Telecommunication
Born into a farming family, Bonny's childhood dream of becoming a farmer has come full circle. Despite his professional journey as an engineer, life guided him back to his true passion. While not holding an agricultural degree, Bonny is a dedicated learner and a farmer at heart. Originally from India, Bonny resided in Dubai, where his career in IT played a pivotal role in modernizing farming practices at Khao Yai Vanilla. Now, they have joined forces in the pursuit of crafting the world's finest vanilla, bringing together their diverse experiences and a deep-rooted love for farming.