Has the Solomon Islands considered the export possibilities for green coconuts and coconut water?
The Solomon Islands has had success with the manufacture of virgin coconut oil which has contributed to the income of farmers, local employment and exports.
I have often wondered why green coconuts are not exported and why the lucrative trade in coconut water has not been developed.
Here in Thailand, most green coconuts end up in the Chinese market. Actually, more than 80% of Thailand's green coconut production volume is destined for the Chinese market. The Thai production volume has shown steady growth in recent years as a result of Chinese market demand .
For some considerable time, the European market for coconut water has shown stable growth and continues to be driven by consumption patterns for healthy beverages from plant-based drinks.
The United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands offer opportunities for developing country suppliers to supply coconut water.
Coconut water is mostly exported in a pasteurised or sterilised form and some investment in plant and equipment would be needed in the Solomon Islands to be able to export coconut water, but the potential for earnings is great and well worth the government considering.
In the interim, given the ready markets in China for young, green coconuts why not explore this potential source of export earnings?
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
