Natural disasters and diseases such as lethal yellowing are factors that have caused a decline in coconut production in the Caribbean.
Extreme weather events such as droughts and storms, coupled with the growing presence of lethal yellowing, which spreads in coconut plantations through mosquitoes, have significantly reduced production of this fruit.In Nagua alone, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, production has fallen by 20% over the past two decades.
Consumers increasingly prefer healthy products such as sugar obtained from coconut, apple and agave, which are considered more natural.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Coconut sugar has increased its popularity in many countries because it is perceived as a more natural or acceptable option than regular sugar. Despite being still a niche product, sales have increased significantly.
Asian coconut production is expected to suffer a crisis, an event that could open markets for Central American growers.
The UN Agency for Food and Agriculture (FAO) is warning of an impending crisis in coconut production in Asian countries which are major producers globally, due to aging plantations, whose yields have fallen from 100 coconuts per tree year, to just 40.
Only 5,600 hectares are cultivated using outdated technologies out of 400,000 which are suitable for the development of coconut palm.
The information was released by the National Centre for Agricultural and Forestry Technology (CENTA). "... Despite the fact that El Salvador is a country with great potential for coconut production, there is low productivity because materials are not improved or selected, there are old palms that are not productive as well as diseases and pests," noted an article in Elmundo.com.sv.
Its qualities as a natural moisturizer and its nutritional benefits, as well as an advertising campaign developed by importers, have contributed to increased consumption.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Coconut water consumption is growing significantly in the UK, due to the recognition of its qualities as a natural moisturizer and its nutritional benefits.
Current consumption in the European market has reached $65 million and is still growing, estimated to reach $200 million in 5 years.
A statement by PROCOMER reads:
The market for coconut water in the European Union has an estimated value of USD 65 million, and according to projections, anticipated sales could reach $200 million over five years but there is no intensive advertising or marketing being undertaken.