In recent years, the most popular young coconut variety in the Chinese market has been the Thai Aromatic Coconut, and the peak import season is March-October every year. Due to the increasing demand from the Chinese market and the continuous development of cross-border e-commerce channels, the planting volume of young coconut in Thailand is showing a continuous increase, and the volume exported to China exceeds 85% of the total production.
Compared with the previous production season, Thai young coconut production has increased by 10-20% this season. Recently, Jason Xu from Yes Fruit Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. shared his views on the market with FreshPlaza.
According to him, "Globally, the young coconuts sold in the market mainly come from Thailand. Due to the particularity of the climate and geographical environment of the production area, the Aromatic Coconut is grown within a radius of 80 kilometers from Damnoen Saduak. The local coconuts have the right time and place to absorb sufficient water, as well as the favorable salinity of the coast. Thai Aromatic Coconut has the features of large size and thin skin. The water and flesh contained in the fruit have a pleasant aroma, which is also a unique charm. Compared with China's domestic fresh fruit young coconut, the main advantages of Thai Aromatic Coconut are different varieties, tastes and fruiting periods."
When talking about the price fluctuation trend, Jason said, "A few years ago, when the supply of Thai Aromatic coconuts was clearly in short supply, the price was running at a high level. Now, as more young coconuts flood into the Chinese market, the price is gradually returning to a reasonable level. Compared with the same period last year, the current overall selling price of Thai Aromatic Coconut has decreased.”
At this stage, Yes Fruit Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd.'s fresh young coconuts are mainly supplied to China's domestic first- and second-tier wholesale markets, major distributors, and new-type retail companies. At the same time, fresh fruit is also exported to the Middle East and the US market. Next to it, the company also processes fresh coconuts that meet the requirements of domestic e-commerce with the trend of more and more consumers preferring online sales in China.
"In addition to selling fresh fruits, deep-processing items such as coconut water, coconut pulp, and coconut milk are also under preparation. At present, we have a GMP, SGS, and HACCP standard system processing plant in Thailand, and thousands of rai of orchards to grow Aromatic Coconut. The second modern processing plant is expected to be completed and put into operation in February 2023. After the start of production, the combination of the old and new factories can achieve a production capacity of 20 containers/day." Jason said.
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