our
story
Our love for vanilla began on a sunny afternoon in Kona, Hawaii, where we wandered through a small plantation and discovered the magic behind this extraordinary plant. Among rows of delicate green vines, we learned that vanilla isn’t just grown, it’s nurtured with patience, intention, and a great deal of human touch.
We watched as the farmer carefully demonstrated the art of hand-pollinating a vanilla orchid, a process that must be done by hand for every single flower, on the very day it blooms. We realized then that every bean carries a story of dedication — months of attentive care, years before the first real harvest, and a curing process that demands skill, time, and respect. As we dove deeper into research, we quickly understood why vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world; and why it is also the most counterfeited. Vanilla is precious because it is painstaking to grow and because real, pure vanilla extract requires quality ingredients, craftsmanship, and patience.
But instead of discouraging us, this knowledge inspired us. We were determined to create something authentic: a vanilla extract worthy of the plant’s incredible journey. No shortcuts. No artificial flavors. No compromises.
Just real vanilla beans, slow cold extraction, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
What began on a Hawaiian plantation has grown into our passion project: making the best vanilla extract we possibly can, guided by curiosity, integrity, and a deep respect for every orchid that makes it possible.
THE VISION
Columbia Valley Vanilla was founded on a simple but powerful idea: to bring authenticity, purity, and craftsmanship back to one of the world's most beloved flavours - vanilla.
Our mission is to elevate vanilla from an ingredient to an experience, one that captures the warmth of home, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the spirit of the valley.
OUR PROCESS
At Columbia Valley Vanilla, we craft our extracts using a slow, cold extraction process. This approach protects the purity of the vanilla bean and preserves the depth of its natural character.
This method takes time, but it delivers a richer, more authentic flavour that honours the land and the farmers who grow each pod.
OUR PROMISE
The Columbia Valley Promise: Pure origins. True flavor. Crafted with intention.
All of our vanilla extract is made with ethically sourced, premium-quality vanilla beans and always will be. We take pride in only using the highest-quality of ingredients, and crafting your favourite vanilla products with attention and patience.
"We're transforming vanilla into an experience; one that captures the warmth of home, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the spirit of the valley."
Columbia Valley Vanilla was born from a love of place and craft. Inspired by the natural beauty and purity of the Columbia Valley, we set out to create vanilla that reflects those same qualities- simple, honest, and full of character.
Every bottle is handcrafted in Calgary, where we combine ethically sourced vanilla beans, traditional extraction methods, and modern precision. The result is a true small batch vanilla-rich, aromatic, and made with care. Though our vanilla is crafted in Calgary, its spirit lives in the valley that inspired it. Columbia Valley Vanilla is where nature's inspiration meets Calgary's Craftsmanship; a tribute to the land and to the community known for its quality Canadian goods.