When whole young coconuts started appearing at the supermarket and everyone had to figure out how to open Remember them? We got pretty handy with a meat cleaver. Some resorted to power tools.
These days the trick is figuring out how to crack the cost of coconuts, because they’re increasingly expensive, affecting everything from coconut oil to desiccated coconut and products that feature them. So why is our favourite fruit (or drupe, to be botanically specific) suddenly so pricey?
Wild weather
El Niño weather patterns have led to less rainfall and extreme heat in growing regions, stressing the palm trees and stunting their crops.
Monkey business
Monkeys are cute until they decimate 200 million of your lovingly grown coconuts, which is happening annually in Sri Lanka.
Coconut lust
Demand for coconut products has surged in countries like China and the US, tightening the already limited global supply.
Fertiliser woes
There have been major shortages and price hikes on key agricultural inputs around the world, leaving crops even more susceptible to pest and weather pressure.
And other stuff
A weak Australian dollar, international tariffs, freight disruptions and rising costs across the entire supply chain has wrought havoc on the price of the humble coconut.
As you can see, it’s a clustermonkey of unfortunate events.
What can we do as buyers and retailers?
Support local suppliers and ethical growers
Many of the issues facing the coconut industry are caused by large, fragile systems and a loss of connection with traditional farming practices. We love that our coconut brands (such as COYO and Coco Soul) favour sustainable and regenerative plantations that are less prone to climactic shocks, and healthier for local communities too. This in turn is helping to shape a more robust and resilient industry into the future… but it all hinges on our support.
Build long-term relationships with suppliers
Establishing long term relationships built on loyalty and trust gives a better chance of accessing competitive prices and limited stock when others are left high and dry.
Order in bulk when the price is right
Consumers are increasingly besotted by healthy food, and coconut products – with their well known wellness properties – are perpetually in demand. Stocking up on bestsellers when you see a good deal is an excellent idea.