A growing demand for imported coconuts is meeting an increasing supply of them. “The supply of coconuts is strong. We’re definitely seeing competing supply from the Dominican Republic and Mexico,” says Todd Kostka, import sales manager with John Vena Inc. “On our end, the Indian coconuts that we import in partnership with Vashini Exports are in very strong supply and very consistent quality and sizing throughout the entire year.”
© John Vena Inc.
In fact, production of brown coconuts from India keeps expanding and are being followed by new ways to market the item. Working with Vashini Exports, John Vena’s easy open brown coconut product mix has expanded further to offer retailers and consumers a polished brown coconut. These include the traditional 40-count packs, but it also has 24-count and 12-count packs. The coconuts have premium smooth presentation with reduced debris and waste and are individually banded with PLU.
Consumption picking up too
In turn, meeting that greater supply is a rising demand for coconuts. “There’s generally greater consumption within the category. For us, the 12-count and 24-count smooth easy open coconuts are seeing traction at the retail level, allowing retailers to offer a refreshed merchandising experience in their stores.” Kostka says, adding that generally coconut pricing is in line with last year.
© John Vena Inc.
Also helping the category is the fact that there are now numerous coconut options on store shelves, including water coconuts, coconuts with straws, white coconuts and brown coconuts. “Each variety has its own particular use,” says Kostka. “The brown mature coconuts are used predominantly for the flesh and meat inside, so for dishes or desserts. The other coconuts tend to be used solely for their water.”
What is also helping consumption of coconuts is the continued education around the item to help make them more approachable for consumers who don’t typically use them. That includes teaching consumers how to prepare it, what to make with it and more.
For more information:
Todd Kostka
John Vena Inc.
Tel: +1 (215) 336-0766
https://www.johnvenaproduce.com/