What a coincidence — I’ve just been searching for Why is there currently a Vanilla Shortage. In So. Calif there are 3 Vons (Safeway) stores near me where I used to buy my favorite Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond ice cream. No can find any more!! (Did find at Walgreens btw)
So not believing there is a vanilla shortage I got on internet to find out just where it is grown. Absolutely fascinating. Has to be grown where orchids grow which is near equator and where there are these “special” bees to pollinate. Madagascar and the neighboring island Reunion provide the best and most vanilla beans. Still not dialed into just why the shortage but it was mentioned that the world-wide interest in “natural” ingredients (as opposed to vanilla flavoring — which in itself is fascinating as it comes from “wood”) has made the cost skyrocket.
So, if you know anything about Haagen-Dazs relationship with Vons — let me know. I want my MTV and Haagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond.