Coconut is grown globally over an area of 12.29 million hectares producing 11.04 million MT (copra equivalent) in 93 countries in the world. The 17 member countries of the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) account for a major share of area and production occupying 10.7 million ha (87%) and 9.2 million MT of copra equivalent (83%). In copra equivalent terms, Indonesia, Philippines and India are the major producers of coconut in the world.

Globally, the area and productivity of coconut remained almost at the same level during past 5 years (2004 – 2009). However, there has been an increase in nut production in some APCC member countries as a result of the government’s coconut replanting and rehabilitation programs including intercropping and other good agricultural practices involving low cost input management strategies.

The major coconut products traded in the world market are coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut milk powder, coconut shell charcoal, activated carbon, coir and coir products. The emerging non-traditional coconut products include tender coconut water as sports drink, virgin coconut oil (VCO), coconut flour and oleochemicals. Nata de coco, coconut vinegar, coconut sugar, and coconut syrup based products have also entered the international market.

The value added products and by-products that were trade globally in the last 5 years showed an increasing export volume especially for coconut cream, desiccated coconut, coco chemicals, activated carbon, coir and coir products. The APCC member countries are the main source for the export of copra, desiccated coconut, shell charcoal, coco chemicals and coir products. Coconut oil, copra meal and activated carbon are also exported but in small quantities from outside the APCC region.

Market expansion opportunities for coconut value-added products are seen in the following products: a) Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), b) Fresh Tender Coconut, c) Coconut Flour, d) Biofuel, Oleochemicals and Fatty Acids, e) Desiccated Coconut, f) Coconut Cream, Coconut Milk and Coconut Powder, g) Nata de Coco, h) Coconut Sap-Based Products, i) Coconut Shell Charcoal, j) Coconut Shell, Activated Carbon, j) Coconut Water Vinegar, k) Coir Fiber and others.  

Some recommendations on strategies for coconut development to meet the above demands include: a) New Planting/Replanting of Senile Palms, b) Quality Planting Materials and Low Cost Input Management, c) Good Agricultural Practice and Coconut- Based Farming System, d) Transfer of Technology and Capacity Building, e) Product Diversification and Value Addition, f) Product Quality Improvement and Quality Standards, g) New Market and Expansion of the Market and h) Policy Support and Investments conducive to Industry Development and Business Growth.