Our Story

Gillian’s fascination with vanilla began through fragrance — drawn to its complexity, warmth and emotional resonance.

Over time, that curiosity deepened into a wider passion for how technology, when applied with care, can unlock the full potential of natural ingredients.

With a background rooted in innovation and systems thinking, Gillian is driven by the belief that tradition and modern agri-tech don’t need to be in conflict. At Vanilla Labs, she focuses on precision curing, provenance, and the science behind flavour and aroma — helping to create vanilla that is expressive, stable, and traceable without losing its soul.

Equally important to Gillian is building a business with purpose: creating high-quality, skilled jobs in Scotland, supporting farming communities at origin, and helping ensure vanilla has a sustainable future in a rapidly changing world.

Joe is a lifelong food enthusiast with a deep appreciation for flavour, process and the craft behind exceptional ingredients. His work has consistently focused on innovation with impact — developing ideas that balance quality, sustainability and long-term resilience.

At Vanilla Labs, Joe brings a practical, hands-on approach to flavour development and production, translating complex curing methods into scalable, repeatable systems. He is especially passionate about how thoughtful innovation can strengthen supply chains, reduce waste, and create better outcomes for both producers and consumers.

Driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, Joe is committed to building a business that supports farmers, invests in people, and contributes meaningfully to Scotland’s food and agri-tech landscape.