Vanilla's Achilles’ Heel: Fusarium
Hank Kaestner
Dammann and Company
Oakland, NJ
The presentation will trace the history of vanilla cultivation, and will highlight the many instances when Fusarium stopped vanilla in its tracks. Historical examples will include Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Sumatra, China, and the Philippines. Currently Fusarium threatens vanilla in Uganda, India, and Madagascar. What are the reasons for Fusarium's spread? Can it be stopped? What is likely to happen to the price of vanilla?
Hank Kaestner retired from McCormick and Company, Inc. in 2000 as Director, Spice Procurement. He spent 34 years with McCormick, having been responsible for the purchase of vanilla since 1972. During his career he was involved with the development of new vanilla sources in India, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. During the past eight years, Hank has worked for the leading U.S. Vanilla Importer, Dammann and Company, Inc. Hank has traveled more than 100 times to vanilla sources, beginning in 1970, and continuing until today. His knowledge of vanilla sourcing is unique in the Industry, having spanned 39 years. His introduction to Fusarium began in 1970, and since then he has observed that menace in many countries. Hank's experience in Madagascar began in 1974, and he has visited that important source once, sometimes twice, per year ever since. In 2003 he observed Fusarium there for the first time, and has watched as it has spread throughout the SAVA vanilla region. He has shared his observations both at the Fall FEMA meetings, as well as PowerPoint presentations at the past two FEMA annual Conventions. The Vanilla 2009 presentation will provide an up to date review of the Fusarium "problem" in all vanilla source countries and will suggest ways to lessen its impact on the supply of vanilla.
Hank Kaestner retired from McCormick and Company, Inc. in 2000 as Director, Spice Procurement. He spent 34 years with McCormick, having been responsible for the purchase of vanilla since 1972. During his career he was involved with the development of new vanilla sources in India, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. During the past eight years, Hank has worked for the leading U.S. Vanilla Importer, Dammann and Company, Inc. Hank has traveled more than 100 times to vanilla sources, beginning in 1970, and continuing until today. His knowledge of vanilla sourcing is unique in the Industry, having spanned 39 years. His introduction to Fusarium began in 1970, and since then he has observed that menace in many countries. Hank's experience in Madagascar began in 1974, and he has visited that important source once, sometimes twice, per year ever since. In 2003 he observed Fusarium there for the first time, and has watched as it has spread throughout the SAVA vanilla region. He has shared his observations both at the Fall FEMA meetings, as well as PowerPoint presentations at the past two FEMA annual Conventions. The Vanilla 2009 presentation will provide an up to date review of the Fusarium "problem" in all vanilla source countries and will suggest ways to lessen its impact on the supply of vanilla.