How a simple question turned into 50 tons of natural vanilla extract

It all started two and a half years ago with a single, straightforward question directed at our founder, pharmaceutical chemist Michel Goldbach:

“Can you guys make vanilla extract?”

The immediate answer? A confident: “Yes, of course.”

Truth be told: we had never actually produced vanilla extract before. But with a background in pharmaceutical chemistry and a deep passion for extraction science, Michel has always been up for a technical challenge. He went straight home to his kitchen to experiment, test formulations, and figure out how to master the complex chemistry of extracting authentic vanilla aroma from scratch.

From those initial tests in a home kitchen to investing in our very first extraction machine, it was a massive leap into the unknown. But we knew it was the right move.

From a kitchen experiment to a Sittard extraction powerhouse

Fast forward to today. What started as a bold experiment has completely transformed our business model. We dived headfirst into low-temperature vacuum distillation, solvent recovery, and matrix-specific flavor performance.

Today, Global Flavors & Extracts (GFE Group) operates a state-of-the-art laboratory and production facility in Sittard, Limburg, where we engineer high-performance B2B flavor solutions for food and beverage manufacturers across Europe.

Our growth over the years speaks for itself:

• 50 metric tons annually: We now produce over 50 metric tons of premium 4-Fold Bourbon vanilla extract every year.
• Portfolio expansion: Last year, we expanded beyond vanilla to develop custom, clean-label EU Natural flavorsacross fruity, sweet, and botanical profiles.
• Artisanal to industrial scale: We supply everyone from local craft ice cream makers to large-scale industrial food processors, offering formats from 1-liter containers up to 1,000-liter IBC bulk supply.

The principles driving Global Flavors & Extracts in Limburg

While our production volume in Sittard has scaled significantly, the foundational core that Michel Goldbach established in his kitchen remains unchanged:

1. Fast: Quick turnaround times, agile R&D support, and direct communication without corporate bureaucracy.
2. Flexible: Custom-fold formulations (from single-fold up to concentrated 100-fold extracts) engineered to match your exact processing matrix.
3. Transparent: 100% natural, FSSC 22000-certified, and fully compliant with EU Natural labeling standards.
   
   

(Fun fact: The photo above shows our very first batch of vanilla extract produced on our very first extraction machine in Sittard! 🥹)

Looking ahead: Science-driven flavor innovation

A huge thank you to all our partners, clients, and team members who trusted our vision and helped turn a simple question into a major industrial milestone.

Whether you need a custom-fold vanilla extract, a clean-label natural flavor, or technical guidance on application stability, Global Flavors & Extracts is ready to engineer your solution.

We’re just getting started.