Vanilla Farms, which is pioneering new processes in flavouring, is the first tenant at ONE SeedPod, the food and drink innovation hub.
The announcement follows completion of the hub’s commissioning phase. Developed and operated by Opportunity North East (ONE), it provides a unique combination of food-safe manufacturing, development kitchens and specialist support.
ONE co-funded ONE SeedPod with the UK Government, Scottish Government, Just Transition Fund and Scottish Enterprise as part of the Aberdeen City Region deal.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is the strategic partner and ONE SeedPod is located on its Craibstone Campus near Aberdeen.
Aberdeenshire-based Vanilla Farms is developing premium vanilla production. In May, the business was awarded £150,000 through the inaugural Missions EDGE prize at Scottish EDGE 25, backed by Scottish Enterprise, recognising its potential to transform the natural flavour industry.
Gillian Lane, who co- founded the firm with husband Joe, said: “Vanilla Farms is proud to be the first tenant at ONE SeedPod. This facility offers the ideal launchpad for our next stage of growth — from pioneering vanilla cultivation to scaling sustainable flavour innovation here in Scotland.
“The purpose-built production kitchens, advanced NPD and food demonstration facilities, combined with expert support and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, make SeedPod a perfect fit for our ambitions.
“We’re excited to bring something bold and new to the food and fragrance industry from this base.”
David Kilshaw, chair of ONE SeedPod, said: “In recent weeks, customers including Associated Seafoods, Queen Margaret University, and Scotland Food & Drink have used ONE SeedPod, and this fantastic hub is now fully commissioned and open for business.”
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