About us
“Expovan”, with its experience in Vanilla processing has proved its ability to meet the quality expectations of end users in the International Vanilla Industry and looks forward eagerly to the eventual goal of processing Vanilla from the monitored harvest of Indian Vanilla Initiative growers, so as to provide end users with the finest quality Vanilla.
Expovan launched the Indian Vanilla Initiative for backward integration, empowering farmers in vanilla cultivation. It offers saplings, technology and know-how, igniting passion and fostering growth. Now, it’s India’s largest natural vanilla cultivation contractor, offering support prices and a 100% buy-back guarantee to the farmers in India.
Expovan’s forward integration strategy aimed to introduce fine vanilla to the Indian market, which was largely unfamiliar with the rich and aromatic flavour of natural vanilla. This vision materialised in the launch of the brand Goodness Vanilla, captivating consumers with the essence of pure, high-quality vanilla in the Indian market.
Expovan oversees the entire supply chain, including cultivation, processing and value addition of products like vanilla extract, powder & seeds, ensuring direct delivery to domestic end-users. We take pride in skilled, sustainable operations with over 90% traceability through IVI farmers and maintain a 90% female workforce, empowering local communities and achieving remarkable results.
Dr. Mahendran R.
Chairman, Expovan
Dr. Mahendran R., the visionary Founder and Chairman of Expovan, is a distinguished professional from Pollachi, Coimbatore, South India, with expertise as a Doctor, Agriculturalist and Entrepreneur. Born in 1963, he received his early education in the Nilgiris, attending prestigious institutions such as Elkhurst Prep School, The Laidlaw Memorial High School and St. Joseph’s High School, Coonoor. He pursued medicine at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, where he was among the first batch of students and graduated as a gold medallist from Bangalore University. He later obtained his MD in Internal Medicine from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, in 1990.
With deep agricultural roots, his passion for farming led him to explore innovative intercropping methods within his family’s coconut plantations. His foray into vanilla cultivation began in 1994, pioneering the cultivation of vanilla as an intercrop in India.
Over two decades of research, experimentation and dedication culminated in Expovan becoming the largest processor of natural vanilla in India, supplying premium-grade vanilla beans, extract and powder to both domestic and international markets, including the United States, Europe and Australia.
In 2016, Dr. Mahendran launched the Indian Vanilla Initiative, a groundbreaking program supporting farmers by providing saplings, cultivation techniques and a guaranteed minimum support price for the produce. This initiative has significantly expanded vanilla cultivation across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, revolutionising the vanilla industry in India.
In 2017, he introduced the retail brand Goodness Vanilla, offering high-quality natural vanilla to the Indian market. His relentless efforts have elevated Indian vanilla to match the renowned quality of Madagascar vanilla.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Mahendran is a dedicated family man, husband, father and grandfather. He also nurtures a passion for equestrian sports, particularly show jumping, which continues to be a central part of his active lifestyle.