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Producers &

Vanilla curers / agers

Founded in 1986 in the heart of Tremblet, in Saint-Philippe, Escale Bleue is one of the most experienced vanilla curers / agers in La Réunion, with 40 years of expertise.

After 20 years of research, its founders revolutionized the standards of curing / aging and filed the world’s first patent for the preparation of vanilla pods. Thus was born Vanille Bleue: an exceptional vanilla, entirely edible, whose aroma improves over time like a vintage.

This innovation enabled the company to bring vanilla into the French Artisanal Heritage and to become the first company from La Réunion to obtain the State label “Living Heritage Company”.

Today, Vanille Bleue is used by more than 120 Michelin stars and the greatest names in French and international gastronomy.

THE FOUNDERS

Nicole Leichnig
Nicole LeichnigManager and Vanille Bleue vanilla curer / ager
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, nothing suggested that this Mauritian island flower would bloom on the Island of La Réunion—especially in a field as demanding as vanilla. Yet, with 34 years of experience in the sector, she is one of the island’s most longstanding vanilla preparers. A strong-willed manager, she is one of Escale Bleue’s main pillars in terms of management, preparation, and innovation. A disciple of Escoffier and a member of Toque Française, she is the originator of Vanille Bleue.
Aimé LEICHNIG
Aimé LEICHNIGManager
With an agricultural background, this “yab du Tremblet” has become a leading figure in vanilla, with more than 30 years of experience to his name. Already working in 1984 as a technician to revive the cultivation of undergrowth vanilla, this former member of a Prefecture commission played an active role in establishing organic vanilla and certification bodies on the island, in developing a PGI, and in studying the orchid to enable the sector in La Réunion to grow again. His efforts ultimately received initial recognition from the government with the Agricultural Merit Medal awarded at the National Assembly.