Demand for coconut water high in global market

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

COCONUT water has become a fast growing beverage in the global market, according to the APCC.

The Asia and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) in a workshop with Solomon Islands’ coconut sector in Honiara reveals that coconut water is high in demand in global markets.

It is widely sought for due to its health benefits.

APCC Director General Dr Uron Salum said Brazil is the leading exporting country for coconut with annual increase production of over 20 percent in 2015, and USA sales is at over USD$350 million annually.

Mr Salum said the Philippines’ export volume of coconut water is peaked at 61 million litres in 2015, which is described as growing major export destination – and USA is at 25 million litres.

This is followed by the United Kingdom at 38.6 percent, Netherlands 3.8 percent; and other destinations are Canada, Australia, Singapore, China and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He adds, export price increase from USD$0.8 litres in 2008 to USD$1.13 litres in 2015.

Salum describes coconut juice as the fluid of life which contains health benefit.

It contains protein, amino acid, sugars, vitamins, biological growth factors and enzymes promoting anti-aging, healthy cell growth and rehydration, Salum said.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mr Jimmi Saelea thanked Salum for giving such information to alert the coconut sector in the country to look seriously about coconut production.

He said challenge now is rhino beetle and re-planting is other alternative to revive coconut production in Solomon Islands and looking at tapping such opportunities.

 

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