Coco water exports up 80% in first half

The country’s coconut water exports surged by 81 percent, in terms of volume, in the first semester of 2012, to 10.249 million liters from 5.662 million liters in the same period in 2011.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also reported a 100.54-percent rise in export value to $11.8 million from $5.57 million in the previous year.

Earlier, the PCA expressed confidence that the 2012 coconut water production would exceed the 2011 level.

The rise in coconut water exports can be attributed to the growing health consciousness of the market.

“Local consumption is also gaining ground, fueled by coconut water’s increased popularity as a health drink in the west. The healthy trend has likewise gained traction in the country, making coconut water a more fashionable health drink. Coconut water is consumed locally through markets or street vendors, or in packaged plastic, both of which have limited shelf life,” said Beverly Po, product manager of Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI).

The next frontier in consumer availability for coconut water is in packaging, which can meet increasing demand in exports and local consumers. Tropicana Coco Quench, available in Tetra Pak packages, is stepping up to the plate by providing up to eight months of shelf life for coconut water.

“We launched Tropicana Coco Quench as a response to increasing demand for healthy yet convenient products. By keeping the taste, freshness, and nutrients of coconut water intact, we provide consumers with a true alternative to getting your coconut water from the wet market.”

Tropicana Coco Quench is the first locally produced and locally distributed packaged coconut water drink with up to eight months shelf life.