Exceptional Terroir, Craftsmanship & a Committed Vision
Jean Luc Albrick Beratombo, a native of the SAVA Region – Madagascar
Roots in the SAVA Region, Cradle of VanillaBorn in Antalaha, at the heart of Madagascar’s SAVA region, Jean Luc grew up in a family of vanilla producers. From an early age, he understood the vital role this crop played in his family’s life and in the local community and witnessed the growing global fascination for this extraordinary orchid.
Passing Down Traditional Know-HowUnder the guidance of his father, Jean Luc learned the delicate art of vanilla cultivation - from hand pollination to the meticulous transformation of green pods into exceptional vanilla beans. He mastered the craft using all his senses - sight, smell and touch - to identify the finest beans.
A Story of Family and Community SpiritHis father initiated him to the collect of vanilla from remote farmers whereby he traveled rugged roads and discovered the solidarity that unites Madagascar’s growers. This community spirit lies at the heart of Lazaro’s identity.
As economist, Jean Luc’s passion for agroeconomics led him to design his first business project with a strong export-oriented inclination. He obtained his bachelor in Diplomatic and Strategic Studies from CEDS Madagascar, a degree delivered in partnership with CEDS Paris (France). His ambition remained clear: to contribute to Madagascar’s development by adding value to its agricultural resources. Encouraged by a friend, he took the leap into entrepreneurship.
« Turning Challenges into Opportunities »Becoming an entrepreneur means facing challenges head-on, learning and persevering with conviction.
Lazaro, exporter of vanilla and spices from Madagascar
A dedicated on-the-field entrepreneur, Jean Luc shaped an agroeconomic business model to become a thriving business, grounded in community-based concepts, sustainability and trust. He named his company Lazaro, in reference to Lazarus of Bethany, a biblical figure who was resurrected by Jesus - a symbol of hope and everlasting strength.
Milestones :
- 2016 : Major vanilla collector for export companies
- 2020 : Creation of Lazaro’s infrastructure in Sambava and offices in Antananarivo
- 2023 : Establishment of a clove nursery (39 ha) and a poultry farm
- 2024 : Launch the “1000 Planters of Madagascar” a cooperative, covering 1,300 ha of vanilla plantations
- 2025 : International expansion through a network of representatives and strategic partners: Gregory Kane, international trade expert (USA); Jason Chew, experienced businessman (Asia); Galen Amasay, founder of Oviya – House of Vanilla (Mauritius & East Africa); Patrice de Comarmond, international consultant (Europe, Mauritius & Réunion Island)
- 2025 : Creation of the Lavany’O brand, dedicated to vanilla-based value-added products, and the Epifloria brand, focused on spices and honey.
Lazaro’s goal is to export the finest Malagasy agricultural products while building an economic ecosystem that improves the livelihoods of local farmers and artisans.
A Dynamic, Committed Team Behind Lazaro
The Lazaro team is made up of dedicated men and women working towards producing pure and natural products. They embody Lazaro’s core values: authenticity, transparency and solidarity.
The 700 plus farmers of vanilla and spices located in the region are passionate and proud in keeping their ancestral know-how. For every steps along the way, from flowering to harvest, they are vigilant about preserving their terroir and traditions. They are the first guardians of quality.
Our laboratory technicians inspect, the quality and ensure the traceability of every product to meet the highest international standards.
More than 40 skilled artisans handle sorting, blanching, drying, refining, and calibrating the vanilla beans to satisfy gourmet international clients.
Our sales representatives help to bridge the gap in making Madagascar’s hinterland products available and to be enjoyed by the world best known chefs and professionals.
Our logistics experts ensure, precise and timely delivery so that Lazaro’s products reach every destination in the best conditions.
Rigorous and fair business practices are essential elements to secure sustainable and responsible trade relationships.
Our legal team is responsible for ensuring every export operation complies in all aspects to clients’ exigencies.
The marketing team shares Lazaro’s heritage, for every product tells a story on its own.
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