About Us? Pepper and Vanilla Hunter

About Us — The Story of a Spice Hunter

Arnaud Sion: 15 years traveling the world for exceptional vanilla, pepper, and spices

From Madagascar to Brazil, via China and Vietnam, the story of Le Comptoir de Toamasina is that of one man, Arnaud Sion — introduced to the general public as "Arnaud Vanille" (Thalassa, France 3) and regularly featured by La Voix du Nord — who set out across five continents to meet the finest producers of vanilla, pepper, and rare spices.

2010
Founded at age 21
5
Continents Traveled
2015
1st Brazilian Vanilla in France
France 3 / VDN
Documentaries & Press

A journey that began long before vanilla

Before becoming "Arnaud Vanille," Arnaud Sion was a native of Northern France for whom traditional school was never a natural fit. It was elsewhere, on the road, that he built his education: a first trip to Florida at age 16, a summer camp in China at 17, and then, on his own, a journey to Hong Kong and a volunteer trip to Vietnam. Each destination sharpened one conviction: spices and fine vintages cannot be understood from a catalog; they are understood in the field, alongside those who cultivate them.

At age 21, during a trip to Madagascar with his father, he discovered vanilla plantations and met the producers who would become his first partners. From this encounter, Le Comptoir de Toamasina was born in 2010 — an adventure launched with a starting investment of just 414 euros and a few Bourbon vanilla pods sold in local markets around Lille.

Arnaud Sion in a Bourbon vanilla plantation in Madagascar

Arnaud Sion inspecting the quality of green vanilla directly in a Bourbon vanilla plantation in Madagascar.

Five continents, a single quest: the origin

The title "spice hunter" is not a marketing gimmick: it is the most literal description of Arnaud Sion's line of work. His personal mapping spans five continents, each having fueled a different stage of his expertise.

Europe
France (North)
Training, Lille markets, headquarters in Prémesques
N. America
Florida
First trip at age 16
Asia
China, HK, Vietnam
Summer camp, solo travel, volunteer mission
Africa
Madagascar
Discovery of vanilla at age 21
S. America
Brazil
Settling, plantation, spice hunting

Chronology of expertise built in the field

2007–2010

Training in Madagascar

First stays in Bourbon vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) plantations in Madagascar, learning directly alongside producers without intermediaries.

2010

Founding of Le Comptoir de Toamasina

Creation of the company at age 21 in Prémesques with an initial investment of €414. First sales of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla in local Lille markets.

2013–2014

Thalassa TV Report — "Destination Vanilla"

France 3 follows Arnaud Sion on the vanilla route in Madagascar. The feature earns him the nickname "Arnaud Vanille" and introduces his direct sourcing work to the general public.

2015

First commercialization of Brazilian vanillas in France (Bahia & Pompona)

Beginning of Brazilian expeditions driven by resourcefulness: without major financial means at the time, Arnaud traveled the country by bus to visit plantations and meet producers. He became the very first to market Bahia vanilla and Brazilian Pompona vanilla in France.

2016–2018

Diversification of Origins & Media Coverage

New direct partnerships in Tahiti and Papua New Guinea, expanding the range of rare peppers. La Voix du Nord highlights this inspiring entrepreneurial story born in the North.

2019 – Present

The Arnaud Vanille Plantation, Abaçaí & Ranger Expeditions

Strengthened presence in Brazil with the creation of Abaçaí, the founding of the Arnaud Vanille Plantation, and ongoing annual "Ranger Expeditions" across Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Espírito Santo to source wild vanillas (chamissonis, bahiana), Açaí, Acerola, Guarana, and Tonka beans.

"Favoring one origin over another makes no sense to me. Every vanilla has its own unique aromatic power. In choosing a fine vanilla, there is a dimension of terroir and climate, but above all, the dedicated work of men and women." Arnaud Sion, founder of Le Comptoir de Toamasina

Recognized expertise, in the field and in the media

This hands-on approach — learning directly from the producer rather than buying from a catalog — has earned Arnaud Sion recognition as an industry reference across several regional, national, and specialized media outlets.

In the Press

A unique specialization in Brazilian vanilla

While almost the entire global vanilla market relies on a single species, Vanilla planifolia, Arnaud Sion made the pioneering choice to explore the richness of native South American species starting in 2015. Brazil alone boasts over 35 indigenous vanilla species. Among them, three hold his main focus:

  • Vanilla bahiana (syn. Vanilla phaeantha) — native to the state of Bahia, a pioneer in Le Comptoir's range since 2015.
  • Vanilla pompona (vanillon, or "Cerrado vanilla") — introduced and marketed in France by Le Comptoir de Toamasina.
  • Vanilla chamissonis — a wild species with a singular aromatic strength, still little documented.

This in-depth work positions Arnaud Sion as a forerunner and one of the very few French specialists to closely follow scientific advancements on native Brazilian vanillas, far beyond simple trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Arnaud Sion, alias Arnaud Vanille?
Founder of Le Comptoir de Toamasina in 2010 in Prémesques, known as "Arnaud Vanille" following a Thalassa report on France 3 and several profiles in La Voix du Nord. Today, he divides his activities between France and Brazil.
Why is he considered an expert in vanilla and spices?
Trained directly in the field in Madagascar since 2007, establishing partnerships without intermediaries. Starting in 2015, he became the very first to import and market native Brazilian vanilla (Bahia and Pompona) in France.
What are Brazilian Pompona vanilla and Bahia vanilla?
Species native to Brazil possessing incredible aromatic richness. Le Comptoir de Toamasina pioneered their import into France starting in 2015, opening the way for an exceptional new origin in European gastronomy.
Which continents has he traveled to?
Five continents: Europe (beginnings in Northern France), North America, Asia, Africa (Madagascar), and South America (Brazil), where he settled to develop the sourcing of superfoods and native vanillas.
Explore His Selection

Vanillas, peppers, and spices chosen by Arnaud Sion

View Vanilla Selection ›