On 25th January 2024, the Embassy received Mr. Shigeo Kobayashi, the President of T & CP Ltd, a Tokyo-based company specializing in the spices trade especially, organic vanilla bean products. 

Mr. Kobayashi expressed his keen interest in exploring the market trends for Tanzanian vanilla beans, noting Tanzania's reputation for producing a wide variety of spices, including vanilla which he discovered when visiting the CAFERES JAPAN Exhibitions in July 2023. 

He stated that his firm is actively looking for an alternative source for fresh and dried vanilla beans, with a trading capacity of around 500 kilograms per year. He disclosed that they are currently dealing with two African vanilla producing countries and wished to broaden their market sources.

In response, the Embassy warmly welcomed Mr. Kobayashi and provided him with comprehensive information about Tanzanian vanilla, including details about production, varieties, producing areas and companies, transporters, and the market trends. To assist in his assessment and evaluation, the Embassy also offered samples of vanilla and other spices, as well as linking him with the appropriate Tanzanian authorities.