In recent years, the desiccated coconut market has gained traction and became popular in some countries, especially in the desserts industry. Philippines, being one of the top producers and exporters of coconut and its by-products, has a significant role to the positive movement of the desiccated coconut in both local and international markets.
WHAT IS DESICCATED COCONUT
Desiccated coconut is particularly made from the mature coconut flesh. After harvest, the coconut is cracked open to drain the water. Then the flesh is scraped and dehydrated to a specific moisture level according to the manufacturer’s preference. It is important to identify the perfect percentage of moisture to achieve the premium quality and crisp of the desiccated coconut. After drying, the kernels are grated, packaged, and distributed to consumers globally.
Consumers often use desiccated coconut in pastries and desserts. Having a nutty flavor, desiccated coconut is used by consumers as an additive in brownies and cakes. In meals, the desiccated coconut can be used in cereal bowls, again as an additional flavor. In Asia, desiccated coconut is commonly seen in entreés especially in curries and rice toppings.
Having low cholesterol and calories, yet high in fat, desiccated coconut is commonly in the plates of those who pursue the low-calorie diet, ketogenic diets, or any low calorie-high fat eating lifestyles. More than giving additional flavor, the desiccated coconut became a go-to weight loss food or ingredient.
THE DESICCATED COCONUT IN THE PHILIPPINES
In the Philippine Statistics Authority report published in 2018, our country has gained strength in exporting desiccated coconut in 2016 and has stabilized in 2017. The highest price the desiccated coconut had achieved in 2017 was USD 2655 per metric ton before it averaged to USD 2493 per metric ton. In terms of export volume, the Philippines had exported a total of 108 561 metric tons during January-November 2017. The figure is 33.7% increase from 2016’s total export volume.
After a few years, the Philippines slightly weakened in export volume because of El Niño and the consecutive damaging typhoons. Our country was threatened by the performance of Sri Lanka. Yet when we had recovered from all the damages, the Philippines still has the upside as our production cost is lower than Sri Lanka’s.
DESICCATED COCONUT IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Since the coconut is a tropical fruit, tropical countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are expected to be top producers. Major importers and consumers are western countries such as Belgium, the number one consumer in Europe, Germany, and the Netherlands. In North America, the United States is the main consumer of desiccated coconut.
Asia and the West see the desiccated coconut in two different ways. In Asia, desiccated coconut is used for savory dishes just as how herbs are used to add flavor. Meanwhile, the West use desiccated coconut in confectioneries and other sweet goods. The desiccated coconut industry has been positively moving the Philippine economy. Not only does the industry made the country one of the top producers and exporters of the product in the international market, desiccated coconut industry has also helped provide livelihood to millions of Filipinos because of its high revenues. You can also be part of this movement by patronizing local products. Try Greenville’s Desiccated Coconut now!