The difference between Grade A and Grade B vanilla
Grade A is graded for length, moisture, pliability and appearance suited to whole-pod use; Grade B is drier, shorter or less uniform but still aromatic. Neither is better in isolation — it depends on what your line does with the bean.
How grade affects price and orders
Grade A generally commands a premium over Grade B because of the extra selection and handling needed for presentation standards. The spread moves with each harvest cycle, so pricing is confirmed in writing once grade, format, volume and destination are known.
Split orders avoid paying a presentation premium for beans that will be processed anyway.
- Specify grade splits at quotation stage
- Packing, documents and labels kept separate per grade
Which grade fits your line
Decide by what happens to the bean after it arrives.
Grade A vs Grade B at a glance
Grading considers pod length, moisture, pliability and surface appearance.
| Typical length | Grade A longer, more uniform · Grade B shorter or more variable |
|---|---|
| Moisture profile | Grade A suited to extended shelf life · Grade B often drier, suited to extraction |
| Appearance | Grade A clean, presentation-ready · Grade B functional, less uniform |
| Aroma | Grade B not necessarily lower in aromatic content |
| Primary use | Grade A whole-pod retail, infusion, gourmet · Grade B extraction, processing, industrial |
| Documentation | Same for both: phytosanitary, HS 0905, COA where requested |
Exact thresholds vary by buyer and industry standard — there is no single universal chart.
Grade names are not standardised
Grading criteria vary by exporter, country of origin and sometimes harvest batch. “Grade A” from two exporters can be materially different beans. Ask for the written criteria and a sample before you buy.
- Don’t order on grade name alone
- Request a written specification sheet
- Sample both grades against your own production needs
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Grade questions
Is Grade B lower in flavour than Grade A?
Not necessarily. Grade B sits outside one or more visual or physical thresholds — length, moisture or surface marks — without necessarily being lower in aromatic content.
Does Grade B get less documentation?
No. Phytosanitary certificates, HS 0905 classification and a COA where requested apply to both grades. Requirements follow the shipment, not the grade. Market-specific certifications are available on request, subject to verification.
Can I blend Grade A and Grade B in one order?
Yes. Many buyers split volume between whole-pod and extraction lines in one shipment cycle. Specify the split at quotation so each grade is packed, documented and labelled separately.
Do you publish per-grade prices?
No. Vanilla prices fluctuate with the season, so the desk confirms pricing in writing once your grade, format, volume and destination market are known.
Sample both grades before you commit
Request Grade A or Grade B samples, or a written quotation for your production line.