Table of Contents

Page/s: The Executive Director Speaks “An Effective Institutional Framework is Necessary for Sustainable Growth of the Coconut Sector”…….……...….…….. 2

Prevailing Market Prices of Selected Coconut Products and Oils ...... 3-4

Market Analysis of Desiccated Coconut...... 5-6

Community News ...... 7-21

Trade News ...... 21-24

Coconut Technology News ...... 24

Bio-Diesel News ...... 24

Other Vegeoil News ...... 24-26

Did You Know ...... 26-27

Coconut Recipe “Sri Lanka Coconut and Turmeric Chicken Curry” ...... 27

STATISTICS ...... 28-29

Table 1. Indonesia’s Monthly Exports of Desiccated Coconut, 2014-2016

Table 2. Philippines’ Monthly Export of Desiccated Coconut (in MT), 2014-2016

Table 3. Sri Lanka’s Monthly Exports of Desiccated Coconut (in MT), 2014-2016

Table 4. Export Volume of Desiccated Coconut by Country of Origin, 2016 (MT)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SPEAKS …………………………………………...

“An Effective Institutional Framework is Necessary for Sustainable Growth of the Coconut Sector”

A major contributing factor to sustainable development of the coconut sector in any country is its institutional framework that is chartered for coconut development amongst its functions and responsibilities. With adequate capacity and capability to perform, the institutions become key enablers in the successful conduct of programs and related activities to grow the industry. A number of APCC member countries have been going through structural changes in relation to their respective institutional arrangements. Malaysia recently moved to incorporate coconut as an important economic crop with the current legislative framework of their cocoa industry to create a single statutory institution responsible for the development of the two crops. Papua New Guinea chose to divide the research and development activities for cocoa and coconut held by one institution for the nearly 40 years to its respective statutory authorities responsible. State commodity institutions for coconut development in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu were either reduced to become regulatory bodies or are inactive due to policy changes in the country. In comparison the enabling environment created by the coconut institutions in India, Philippines and Sri Lanka have made it possible to optimize and sustain coconut development and services to the farming community. This is clearly demonstrated in the strength and progressive growth of the coconut sector indicating positive business outlook. Market prices for traditional products of Copra at US$1,005/MT and CNO at US&1,836/MT (CIF Rotterdam) have all shown increases in January over the previous months including that of Desiccated Coconut at over US$2,400/MT. Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Water exports continue to soar with increasing demands on the global market with Philippines increasing its efforts with village-level coconut water processing initiatives to enable farmers to benefit from the marketing of coconut water. Larger producing companies in Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand are increasing capacity to processing over 500,000 to 1 million nuts per day throughput in their coconut factories. Increase in the demand for VCO is continues to be driven by the many health benefits and positive effects known now from consuming and using the healthy oil. Whilst the demand for fresh coconuts is increasing there have been recent reports of a surge in coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation and damage to coconut as well as other economic crops in the region. The Solomon Islands have set up a Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Committee that is tasked to create partnerships amongst stakeholders to fast-track remedial actions to avoid major crop losses caused by damage to palms. The Black Headed Caterpillar, Black Palm Weevil and the Coconut Scale Insect are also serious threats being closely monitored in the Philippines and other major growing countries. APCC is encouraging institutions in coconut growing countries within the Asia and Pacific Regions to work together towards addressing the emerging threats of pests and diseases to ensure supply of raw material for increasing markets is not jeopardised from severe damages to coconut palms. The Secretariat stands ready to assist in facilitating for the move to collaborate between neighbouring countries.

URON N. SALUM Executive Director, APCC

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PREVAILING MARKET PRICES OF SELECTED COCONUT

PRODUCTS AND OILS

Price of CNO increased in Philippines, was US$6 higher than price of the previous Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. The price of DC month, and was US$50/MT lower than the increased in Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri last year price for the same month. Lanka. The average domestic price of copra meal in COPRA: The price of copra in Indonesia was Sri Lanka increased by US$14 compared to US$1,005/MT in January 2017, which was the last month price of US$249/MT, and was higher than last month’s price of US$917. higher than last year price of US$255/MT for When compared to last year’s data for the the same month. same month the price was US$395 higher. DESICCATED COCONUT: The average In the domestic market of the Philippines price of desiccated coconut (DC) FOB USA in (Manila), the price increased by US$ 97/MT January 2016 was US$2,475/MT. This price compared to the price in December 2016, was US$31 higher than the previous month’s and about US$314/MT higher compared to price and US$376 higher than the price of the the price of US$726/MT in January 2016. same month last year. In Sri Lanka, the domestic price of desiccated coconut in COCONUT OIL: The average price of January 2017 was US$2,420/MT or US$186 coconut oil in Europe (C.I.F. Rotterdam) for higher than the price in December 2016. the month of January 2017 increased by Meanwhile, the price of DC in the domestic US$137/MT to US$1,836/MT from market in the Philippines was US$1,372/MT, US$1,699/MT in December 2016. This price which was US$34 lower than the previous was higher by 59.0% when compared to the month’s price at US$1,406 and US$213 lower price of January 2016 accounting for than the price in the same month last year. US$1,155/MT. Indonesian price in January 2017 was The average local price of coconut oil in the US$2,253/MT, increased by US$167/MT Philippines in January 2017 was compared to the last month’s, and increased US$1,718/MT. This was US$119 higher than by US$186 from last year’s price. the price in December 2016, and it was COCONUT SHELL CHARCOAL: In Sri US$610 higher if compared to the last year Lanka, the average price of the commodity in price for the same month which was January 2017 was US$356/MT. The price US$1,108/MT. was US$6/MT higher than previous month’s The average domestic price of coconut oil in price. The average price of charcoal in Indonesia in January 2017 increased by Indonesia for January 2017 was US$412/MT, US$142 compared to the previous month which was US$87 higher than last year’s from US$1,674/MT to US$1,816/MT. January price for the same month. 2017 price was 64.2% higher than the price COIR FIBRE: Coir fiber traded in the of the same month of 2016 which was domestic market in Sri Lanka was priced at US$1,106/MT. US$180/MT for mix fiber and US$550 - 752 COPRA MEAL: The average domestic price for bristle. The Indonesian price for mixed raw of the commodity in the Philippines at selling fiber was US$277/MT in January 2017 which points was quoted at US$190/MT. The price was lower compared to last month’s price.

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Price of Coconut Products and Selected Oils (US$/MT) 2017 2016 2016 2017 Products/Country Jan. Dec. Jan. (Annual Ave.)

Fresh Coconut

Philippines (Dom. Husked) 225 217 216 225 Copra Philippines/Indonesia (CIF N.W. Europe) 1,225 1,120 763 1,225 Philippines (Dom. Manila) 1,040 943 726 1,040 Indonesia (Dom. Java) 1,005 917 610 1,005 Sri Lanka (Dom. Colombo) 1,212 1,095 1,026 1,212 Coconut Oil Philippines/Indonesia (CIF Rott.) 1,836 1,699 1,155 1,836 Philippines (Domestic) 1,718 1,599 1,108 1,718 Indonesia (Domestic) 1,816 1,674 1,106 1,816 Sri Lanka (Domestic) 2,180 1,956 1,770 2,180 Desiccated Coconut Philippines FOB (US), Seller 2,475 2,444 2,099 2,475 Philippines (Domestic) 1,372 1,406 1,585 1,372 Sri Lanka (Domestic) 2,420 2,234 1,814 2,420 Indonesia (Domestic) 2,253 2,086 2,067 2,253 Copra Meal Exp. Pel. Philippines (Domestic) 190 184 240 190 Sri Lanka (Domestic) 263 249 255 263 Indonesia (Domestic) 209 205 243 209 Coconut Shell Charcoal Philippines (Domestic), Visayas, Buyer 340 340 365 340 Sri Lanka (Domestic) 356 350 408 356 Indonesia (Domestic Java), Buyer 412 383 325 412 Coir Fibre Sri Lanka (Mattress/Short Fibre) 180 180 196 180 Sri Lanka (Bristle 1 tie) 550 550 554 550 Sri Lanka (Bristle 2 tie) 752 752 831 752 Indonesia (Mixed Raw Fibre) 277 280 290 277 Other Oil Palm Kernel Oil Mal/Indo (CIF Rott.) 1,763 1,652 894 1,763 Palm Oil, Mal/Indo (CIF Rott.) 806 788 566 806 Soybean Oil (Europe FOB Ex Mill) 879 907 727 879

Exchange Rate: January 31, 2017

1US$= P49.73 or Indo.=Rp13.336 or India=Rs67.81 or SL=Rs150.17 Euro=US$1.07 n.q.: no quotes

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MARKET ANALYSIS OF DESICCATED COCONUT

After experiencing a sluggish market decade. Philippines experienced a shortage in 2015, price of desiccated coconut started in supply of raw material due to a adverse to regain in the first half of 2016 and kept effect of el nino in 2015 worsened by a showing an increasing trend until the end of series of typhoons hitting to the islands 2016. In December 2016, the price of DC in country. This made DC manufacturers in the the Philippines was US$2,444/MT or 13.2% country faced difficulties in fulfilling higher than the price in December 2015, the demands in international market. Other month when the reverse trend of DC prices factor that contributed to the low export was perceived. An identical trend was also volume of DC from Philippines was seen in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The price competition in international market with of DC from Indonesia started to recover in other producing countries such as Indonesia the last three months of 2015 and reached and Sri Lanka. The premium price of US$2,086/MT in December 2016. The price Philippines’ DC has made some buyers shift trend of DC from Indonesia was relatively their source of DC to other producing stable compared to that of Philippines and countries. In international market, Europe Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, the price of DC took and USA were still considered as major a longer period to recover. It started to destinations for DC from the Philippines regain in the first half of 2016 and steadily accounting for more than 50% of the total increase until the end of 2016. Apart from a export. Meanwhile from Asian countries, strong demand for the commodity in the China, Japan and Korea were amongst the global market, the positive expectation for largest importing countries of DC from the the raw materials of DC as coconut Philippines. production recovers has also contributed to As the export volume of DC from the increasing trend of the price. The Philippines was increasing, Indonesia’s recovery of supply was seen in main export volume of the product was producing countries, such as Philippines, decreasing. In 2016, the official data from Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. BPS-Statistics Indonesia showed that The export volume of desiccated export volume of DC from Indonesia during coconut (DC) from Philippines seems to the period of January-November 2016 was show a reverse trend in 2016. The official 72,321 MT. The export was lower by 8.5% figure from the Philippines Statistics compared to the volume of the same period Authority showed that the export of DC from in previous year. The decline was following January to October 2016 was 73,252 MT the trend in the last two years. The export which was 27% higher than previous year’s volume of DC showed a slight decline from volume for the same periods. Though the 86,797 MT in 2014 to 85.715 MT in 2015. export volume did not reach the 2014’s level The decrease in Indonesia’s export volume at 83,809 MT for the same period, it was still of DC was mainly due to a shortage in raw a good sign of DC market from the materials. Apart from a recovery in coconut Philippines since it had been decreasing in production, DC manufacturers in Indonesia the last two years. The 2016’s level of still faced difficulties in sourcing raw export volume, however, was still materials. Competition for raw materials with considered to be low compared to the other coconut products especially coconut annual average of export volume in the last oil and also an increase in export of fresh

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 6 | Page coconut were the main factors contributing has appeared to be a rising player for to the shortage of raw material supply for desiccated coconut in international market. DC industries. Besides that, competition in Sri Lanka has become a competitor for international market with other producing Philippines and Indonesia as main countries such as Philippines and Sri Lanka producing country for DC. In the period of was also contributing to the decline. January-November 2016, export of DC from Sri Lanka was 45,659 MT which was higher In the period of January to November by 40% compared to the export volume of 2016, Indonesia shipped 72,321 MT of the same period in the previous year. Sri desiccated coconut to global market. Lanka has benefited from its lower price of Europe was the main market for DC from DC in the global market though in the last Indonesia. The continent absorbed 42.4% of few months it is higher than Indonesia’s DC Indonesia’s DC export. Germany, Russia, prices. Europe and the Middle East were Poland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and still major destinations of desiccated Turkey were the major importing countries coconut from Sri Lanka. In the period of from Europe. Asia was the second largest January - November 2016, European and market for DC from Indonesia. It absorbed Middle East countries imported 13,788 MT 34.6% of Indonesia’s DC export. Singapore and 12,406 MT of DC from Sri Lanka was the main importing country that respectively. The imports of the two regions imported 19% of DC from Indonesia in the amounted to more than 57.4% of the Sri observed period. The third largest market Lanka’s total export of DC. Germany, for DC from Indonesia was America. Its Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, France, share of Indonesia’s DC market was 15.3%. Portugal, and United Kingdom were the Amongst American countries, Brazil was main buying countries in the EU market, recorded as the largest importing country for while Iran was the main hub in the Middle DC from Indonesia. The country imported East for the observed period followed by 7,054 MT of DC from Indonesia constituting Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan. 9.8% of the total export. Though American continent absorbed only Amid the shortfall of export of DC 17.9% of Sri Lanka’s total export, the export from Philippines and Indonesia, desiccated volume to the USA was recorded as the coconut from Sri Lanka has gained its largest. The export volume to USA was market share in the global trade. Sri Lanka 5,699 MT or 12.5% of the total export.

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APCC Executive Director, Mr. Uron Salum participated in the Workshop and COMMUNITY NEWS presented on the “Emerging Global Coconut Industrial Scenario”. He underscored the APCC INTERACTION WITH need for diversification and value addition

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA which had to be supported by effective government policies for tapping into the Agricultural Universities have a crucial emerging global markets for coconut based role in the sustainable development of the products. He stressed on the need for coconut sector in coconut growing exploring new markets and undertaking countries. Mr. Uron N. Salum, Executive aggressive replanting of coconut trees. He Director, APCC visited Tamilnadu elaborated on the market potential of virgin Agricultural University (TNAU), a leading coconut oil and coconut water. Mr. Salum agro-technology provider in India during his appreciated the concept of farmer producer visit to India in December 2016. TNAU had organisations promoted by India which its genesis from establishment of an would serve as a model for replication in Agricultural School in Chennai as early as other countries. He explained the 1868 and later relocated to Coimbatore in importance of quality, branding and labelling 1906. ED APCC held discussions with Dr. and also warned the coconut farmers K. Ramasamy, Vice Chancellor and his regarding the consequences of climate team of scientists. He had a interaction with change. the post graduate and PhD scholars of the institute. He also visited the Coconut Farm Industrialists, subject matter which maintained germplasm of important specialists, technologists and experts from varieties including the two tall varieties Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and India released from TNAU, Aliyarnagar-1 and presented papers on the theme of Aliyarnagar - 2. Potential for conduct of agroprocessing and value addition. The trainings on coconut plantation workshop was attended by existing and management was also discussed. ED aspiring entrepreneurs, representatives of APCC also visited Kerala Agricultural farmer producer organisations, policy University and had discussions with Dr. P. makers and officials of concerned agencies. Rajendran, Vice Chancellor. He also had TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR COCONUT interactions with the students of the INDUSTRY university. Fiji will soon be able to access training VAIGA – INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP and implement awareness courses for ON VALUE ADDITION FOR INCOME farmers, processors in the coconut industry. GENERATION IN AGRICULTURE ORGANISED IN KERALA, INDIA This was revealed by Pacific Community (SPC) Coconut Industry An International Workshop and Development for the Pacific (CIDP) team Exhibition on Agro Processing and Value leader, Karen Mapusua. Addition called VAIGA (Value Addition for Income Generation in Agriculture) was She said CIDP would help the industry organised in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in Fiji by developing range of programs that India during December 1-5, 2016 by the would develop the sector. Government of Kerala in India. The five day "CIDP will help build a supporting workshop on agro-processing and value environment for the development of the addition was organised to set the pace for industry in Fiji by providing a range of the setting up of agro-processing clusters in activities that will benefit growers, the region. processors and exporters."

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"For example training programmes on economy in terms of exports and production, value adding and risk employment opportunities. management. Its helping put in place some Meanwhile, Savusavu Copra Millers of the building blocks to reinvigorate the Ltd Board Chairman Raj Sharma told this coconut industry which is so important to so newspaper the new mill extension complied many farmers," Ms. Mapusua said. with international standards. (http://fijitimes.com) Mr. Sharma said the company spent VIRGIN COCONUT MILL TO REVIVE $17,000 to employ an Australian company AILING INDUSTRY which passed the mill after meeting the The opening of the virgin coconut oil standards. (http://www.fijitimes.com) factory in Savusavu yesterday is expected COCONUT RHINO BEETLE, A GROWING to help revive the ailing copra industry in the THREAT North. There is a growing threat for the The factory, an extension to the coconut and palm tree industry if the spread existing Copra Miller's factory, is worth of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle $535,000. intensifies and remains untreated. Already In addressing stakeholders, Agriculture the impacts are visible and felt by farms Minister Inia Seruiratu said the company's through the destruction of coconut and palm investment was a step in the right direction. oil trees in Guadalcanal. This was raised at the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Committee He added Government, through the (CRBC), a committee formed to monitor and Ministry, was intent on modernising the control the spread of the beetle. agriculture sector. Samantha Maeke, the Export Industry Mr. Seruiratu said the project would Development Officer from the Solomon address a number of issues farmers faced, Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry particularly for those who solely depended (SICCI) and a member of the CRBC, says on copra. there are alarming indications. Coconut and "Let me begin by stating that coconut oil palm are critical resources for the used to be a significant commodity to the Solomon Islands economy – both Fijian economy given its importance as a commercially and at a subsistence level. staple food and a source of income for the Many farmers and families rely on these rural based population in Fiji," he said. commodities for employment, income "Over the years the coconut industry generation and basic survival. The country has undergone significant changes with the could face a national crisis given the shift of emphasis from copra to virgin severity of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, coconut oil processing. the committee concluded. The beetle attack has already affected some farms and "The industry, I understand, had gone plantations with the loss of production and through some very challenging times with supply of coconut and oil palm. Evidence in the low world market prices for coconut oil other countries such as Guam and Samoa coupled with the onslaught of natural shows that the beetle has affected coconut disasters like the recent TC Winston which plantations. In Hawaii it was declared a pest destroyed quite a significant number of emergency. trees in the North." The CRBC fears that the continued Mr. Seruiratu assured stakeholders rampage of the beetle will affect other fruit Government was doing its best to bring the crops such as bananas and pineapples. coconut industry in Fiji back to its former Already it has affected oil palms at the status as a significant contributor to the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited

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(GPPOL). If untreated, it will have a huge understood that the committee has rally impact on the production of oil palm and the resources from within the committee sustainability of the industry. Putting into members. External assistance is also perspective the risks are overwhelming, provided by FAO and SPC. The CRBC is says SICCI CEO Dennis Meone. “At the made up of the Coconut Industry Working micro level – communities would lose their Group, SICCI, Commodities Export economic ability, food and as well as their Marketing Authority (CEMA), GPPOL, Rural way of life. At the macro level, it can result Development Program (RDP) and the in the entire loss of both the coconut and Biosecurity SI division from the Ministry of palm oil industries. It is therefore paramount Agriculture. SICCI is a member of the that urgent action has to be undertaken by industry working group. the government and relevant stakeholders.” (http://www.pipso.org.fj) The CRBC meeting indicates that FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS public-private partnership is the best IN INDIA INTO LARGE SCALE COCONUT approach to ensure that the beetle pest is PROCESSING properly contained and managed to reduce Farmer Producer Organisations are and lessen the impacts on both industries. being established and promoted in India Mr. Meone acknowledged the efforts under the auspices of Coconut undertaken by the committee in dealing with Development Board with the objective of the issue but highlighted that there is a sustained development of the small holder pressing need for more government support coconut farmers. The three tier heirarchial to fast-track the remedial approaches the structure of the Farmer Producer CRBC has adopted. Companies with the Coconut Producer Copra and coconut oil exports Societies (CPS) at the grass root level, the recorded $95 million in the first three Coconut Producer Federations (CPF)at the quarters of 2016, according to data from the middle level and the Coconut Producer Central Bank of Solomon Islands; $31 Companies (CPC) at the apex level is million in the first quarter, $29 million in the found to be a good model to ensure second quarter and bulked up to $35 million development of the coconut farmers. The in the third. “Agriculture has always been Coconut Producer Companies are involved the backbone of the country and if it is to in activities right from production, through continue to support economic growth and processing to marketing of their products, development, we must continue to support thereby ensuring that the benefits are the sector to grow, diversify and reach its transferred to the coconut farmers, in terms full potential. In this case we must quickly of better prices and profits. The concept is resolve and contain the spread of the beetle envisaged to emerge as a replicable model which is threatening the entire coconut and for other coconut growing countries since oil palm industry,” said Meone. coconut is predominanatly a small holder crop in major coconut growing countries The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle was across the world. first reported in Honiara in 2012 and has since spread further into Guadalcanal as far The CPCS are now venturing into west as Visale in Northwest Guadalcanal large scale coconut processing and are in and recently affecting oil palms at GPPOL in the nascent stage. In an effort to study the Northeast Guadalcanal. There are also efficacy and functioning of the three tier reports of the beetle reaching provinces farmer organisations in India, APCC Malaita, Isabel, Western and Choiseul. The Executive Director visited the processing biggest challenge facing the CRBC is the units of three Farmer Producer Companies lack of resources and funding to carry out in Kerala in December 2016. He was assessments and treatments. It is accompanied by Mr. Sardar Singh Choyal,

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Deputy Director, Coconut Development products, thereby ensuring the coconut Board and Mrs. Deepthi Nair S, Assistant farmers a fair, steady and reasonable Director, APCC. income. APCC team was taken around the the Coconut oil Plant and the Neera The Perambra Coconut Producer processing plant of the CPC by Prof. E. Company in Kozhikode district of Kerala, Sasindran, Chairman and the director board India with over 22310 farmer members in members who explained the activities. 220 CPS and 15 CPF was incorporated on 23rd March 2015 and in a span of 1.5 years The Neera plant has a capacity to have ventured into coconut processing. process 4000 litres of Neera per batch. The The APCC team was taken around the plant undertakes production of bottled Coconut Complex under the leadeship of Neera and a variety products from Neera Mr. E.S. James, Chairman, Mr. viz., vinegar, honey, jaggery, chocolate, bio- Unnikrishnan Nair, Chief Executive Officer dishwash and veggi-wash. The company and the members of the Director Board. The has also established copra dryers with facility installed is an Integrated Coconut capacity to process 10,000 coconuts per Processing Unit for the production of a batch in its federations and the centralised variety of coconut products like Neera and coconut oil plant which has a capacity of its value added products, coconut oil, virgin 10,000 kg copra per batch produces coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk, coconut oil. The coconut oil is marketed in desiccated coconut and coir products. The the Company’s brand name De cocos. The total capital investment is to the tune of company has set up kiosks at various USD 3 Million, which has been sourced locations in order to markets quality coconut through equity mobilised from farmer products. The total capital investment is members, term loan from financial around USD 3 Million, which has been institutions and support from Coconut sourced through equity mobilised from Development Board which extends 25% farmer members, term loan from financial subsidy. institutions and support from Coconut Development Board which extends 25% The interesting feature noticed was subsidy. that the Company had established copra dryers with a capacity to process 10,000 Palakkad Coconut Producer Company coconuts per batch in its federations so that Limited was incorporated in June 2013 and only good quality copra from the has over 25650 coconut farmer members federations reach the centralised oil making organised in 453 CPS and affiliated to 26 unit. The by-products go into further federations. The Company has installed a processing for other products from the copra drier in 2013 itself, established a cold federation level itself. Around 40% of the chain for neera tapping in 2014 and initiated shells are used as fuel for copra making and neera processing using vacuum evaporation 60% for charcoal. in 2015. They have now started production of tetra packed Neera without any Vadakara Coconut Producer Company preservatives. The company has installed Limited, an initiative of the coconut farmers two cold chambers for storage of Neera and in Vadakara taluk of Kozhikode district was owns reefer trucks for transportation. The incorporated on 8th April 2015 with over Neera plant with a processing capacity of 13000 coconut farmers in 143 CPS and 11 10,000 litres per day is equipped with chiller CPFs. The main objectives of the company and insulated tanks, clarifiers, preheaters, was socioeconomic development of the vacuum evaporators and packing machines. coconut farmers through productivity improvement, cost reduction, efficient Around 40 coconut kiosks called aggregation, processing, by-product Coconut Points are operated through which utilisation and efficient marketing of the various products like Neera, coconut

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 Page | 11 nectar, sugar, vinegar, cookies, cold FAMA EXPLAINS ALMOST 90% HIKE IN pressed coconut oil, coconut based chutney PRICE OF COCONUTS powder, traditional oil, hair oil etc are If you are wondering why the coconuts marketed. It is planned to increase the you are buying in the market is more number of coconut points to 100. It was very expensive these days, one reason could be motivating to notice that the company has that it is most likely imported, The Star posted profits in the first two years and reported. shared the same with the farmer members. According to Federal Agricultural PCPCL is innovative in its approach to Marketing Authority (FAMA) Senior Director processing. The copra dryer installed had a of fresh produce Mohd Anis Mohd Yasin, capacity of 12000 nuts per day, but now supply has dropped from Indonesia, from they have achieved around 40,000 nuts per where Malaysia has been importing most of day with slight modifications in utilisation of its coconuts in the past few years. the different chambers. The coconut water is currently not processed, but automatically “Supply has gone down but demand is drained and diverted to a biogas plant which high so prices have increased slightly. serves as a backup facility to operate the “Before, it was 70 sen per coconut but dryer. The solar panel installed in the roof of now it is RM1.30,” he was quoted as saying the drying chamber also facilitates drying by the daily, explaining the almost 90% thereby reducing expenses. increase in the price of coconuts. The Company also undertakes Anis also attributed the drop in supply seedling production, hybridisation, to the Indonesian farmers switching from biofertiliser production, support for drip planting coconuts to paddy farming for rice. irrigation and organic cultivation. The farmers involved in Neera production are “There were also floods (in Indonesia) able to realise 15 USD per palm per month. which disrupted supply and we are now The vibrant, transparent and democratic competing with Thailand to buy coconuts functioning of the CPC was visible and from Indonesia,” he told The Star. evident during the discussions with the The demand for coconuts rises in the Director Board members. first two months of every year, in view of the THREE CHARCOAL UNITS IN TAMIL Hindu festival, Thaipusam, which falls on NADU TOLD TO STOP PRODUCTION Feb 9 this year. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control “We import about one million coconuts Board (TNPCB) has asked three charcoal per month but during Thaipusam we import producing units at Paathini to stop an additional one million,” Anis said. production following their failure to renew Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian requisite consent, The Hindu reported. The Consumer Associations (Fomca) Deputy violations had come to the notice of TNPCB President Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman called after people in the locality complained of for Putrajaya to invest more in agricultural water pollution in the area. The three units research. will be allowed to resume operation only after renewing the consent from the Board. “Right now, there is a lack of research into how to increase our coconut production The units produced charcoal by burning so that we don’t have to rely on imports,” coconut shells. The charcoal produced by The Star quoted Yusof as saying. these units were sold for production of (http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com) activated carbon. (UCAP Bulletin)

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COCOA AND COCONUT CORPORATION CARGILL NAMED TOP EXPORTER OF TO REPLACE MALAYSIAN COCOA COCONUT BOARD The Department of Trade and Industry Malaysia Cocoa and Coconut Corp will (DTI) recently cited Cargill Oil Mills be established to replace the Malaysian Philippines, Inc. as top exporter of coconut Cocoa Board in an effort to increase the products in the Philippines during the production of coconuts in the country, said National Exporters Congress held in Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad December last year. The National Zahid Hamidi. He said negotiations had Exporters Congress, a joint initiative by the been held with the Plantation Industries and DTI, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Mah Siew and the Export Development Council, is an Keong, to include coconut as a commodity annual event that recognizes top performing and agricultural crop under the Malaysian exporting companies in various industry Cocoa Board (Inc) Act 1988. categories based on their revenue contribution. In 2015, total value of Cargill’s “The working paper from the said export of coconut products from the ministry will be presented to the Cabinet to Philippines exceeded $150 million. The include coconut as a commodity, besides products Cargill won the award for include cocoa (in the Act). Apart from that, it also crude coconut oil and copra meal, an aims to include coconut and change the important animal feed ingredient. name and functions of the Board to not only focus on cocoa, an industry that is relatively Efren Barlisan, President of Cargill Oil dim in the country, but also include coconut Mills Philippines, Inc., said the award elements,” he said. signifies the company’s commitment to Ahmad Zahid who is also Home developing the coconut farming industry in Minister said this to reporters after the rural Philippines. For almost 70 years in the proclamation of Bagan Datuk as the 12th Philippines, Cargill has been working administrative district of Perak by the Sultan closely with government, trade associations of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, in Bagan and local farming communities on the best Datuk. Ahmad Zahid said this when asked ways to enable farmers to become more to comment on the coconut industry in the productive, more efficient and make better country particularly in Bagan Datuk which is wages in a sustainable manner, Barlisan declining. said. “It has been a rewarding journey and Elaborating, he said he had asked the we look forward to continuing to contribute Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based to the agricultural economy in the Industry, as well as the Ministry of Philippines,” added Barlisan. Plantation Industries and Commodities to expedite the allocation for the procurement Cargill has been in the coconut of seedlings for Matag coconuts which give business in the Philippines since 1947 and early production compared with the Malayan has built a coconut crushing facility in Tall variety. Ahmad Zahid who is also General Santos City and several buying Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk said stations across the island, both of which currently the country imports about 1.5 source copra from local suppliers and million coconuts annually and the costs ensure a sustainable supply chain of were high. “I will monitor this (Matag coconut products. Today, Cargill is one of coconut planting) so that it is not only for Bagan Datuk but also for other districts such the pioneers to enable the production of as Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Kudat, certified and sustainable coconut oil in the Pontian, as well as Batu Pahat,” he said. Philippines. (UCAP Bulletin) (http://www.thestar.com.my)

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TYPHOON NINA DAMAGE TO COCONUT As a backgrounder, Yee San or ESTIMATED AT P200 MILLION Yusheng also known as lo hei or the Preliminary reports from the Philippine prosperity toss was created and popularized Coconut Authority (PCA) has indicated amont the ethnic Chinese community and losses sustained by the country’s coconut its consumption has been associated with industry due to Typhoon Nina reached Chinese New Year festivities in Malaysia, approximately P200 million. PCA said, Indonesia and Singapore. Some would around 16.6 million trees were damaged in consume it on the seventh day of the various degrees after strong winds and Chinese New Year, although in practice it heavy rain pounded the Bicol and may be eaten on any convenient day during Calabarzon regions. Marinduque alone the Chinese New Year period (first to the reported P128 million worth of damages and 15th day of the first lunar month). Yusheng Quezon with P70 million. Estimated cost of damage in Batangas reached P510,000; is often served as part of a multidish dinner, Oriental Mindoro, P310,000 and Cavite, usually as the appetizer due to its P182,000. symbolism of ‘good luck’ for the new-year. All diners at the table will toss the shredded “We lost hundreds of thousands of ingredients into the air with chopsticks while coconut trees at a time when we are trying to plant more to replace the senile and saying auspicious wishes. It is believed that damaged trees of the past,” PCA the height of the toss enthusiastically Administrator Avelino Andal said. “We have reflects the height of the diners growth in to identify the trees that can be saved and fortune. (UCAP Bulletin) the trees that should be cut down”, he said. PCA WANTS BUDGET IN 2018 The PCA said it would provide aid and new INCREASED TO P5B seedlings to affected coconut farmers and help in the debris management that involves Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) proper disposal of fallen coconut trees to Administrator Avelino “Billy” Andal said in an clear public and private lands. (UCAP interview that PCA will request as much as Bulletin) P5 billion worth of funds next year, an increase by nearly three times from the UCAP COCOHOUSE CELEBRATES budget this year of P1.4 billion. “The budget CHINESE NEW YEAR for this year is still quite small but if we can UCAP Cocohouse will welcome the plant 20 million trees a year that will be the Year of the Rooster on its first Cocohouse best. Starting 2018, we will ask higher event for this year with a Yee Sang lunch budget from the national government,” happening on February 03, 2017, at the Andal told reporters. Summer Palace Restaurant at EDSA He added that although PCA was only Shangri-la Hotel, Mandaluyong City. given P1.4 billion this year, there are Cocohouse has been celebrating the unspent funds from previous years which Chinese New Year for 10 straight years with the office can tap. PCA aims to purchase a Yee Sang for prosperity, good health and P600 million worth of seedling to revive the good fortune for everyone in the coconut industry. He said that under his watch, PCA industry. Mr. Enrique Uy of EU Sons should be able to increase the number of Trading, who introduced to us the Yee Sang coconut trees each year, starting with slow has been a major sponsor of the event planting of 10 million trees this year, which is a perfect year opener for the increasing to 15 million next year, and to 20 industry and Cocohouse as well. Early million trees each year starting 2019. confirmation from the members for (UCAP Bulletin) attendance will be highly appreciated for headcount purposes.

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PCA TO EXPLORE WAYS FOR SMALL Cesar Q. Galvez, vice president for FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM COCO operations of the company, said earlier that WATER the new project is targeted to be fully The Philippine Coconut Authority completed in the next four years. He said (PCA) is exploring ways on how small the plant’s present requirement is 400,000 farmers may benefit from the growing nuts a day. The project is situated in an demand for healthful coconut water. economic zone accredited by Philippine Coconut water has fast gained an export Economic Zone Authority, which was market due to its health benefits compared formerly owned by CJ Toyota Tshusho to carbonated beverages. Export of coconut Philippines Inc. water from the Philippines in 2015 was valued $79.3 million. Lorenzo said it is now producing desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil and Five village-level coconut water manufacturing facilities are being put up by coconut water. “This coming April, we start PCA to pilot study a processing technology producing coconut cream and milk in bulk. for coconut water that may benefit small By second half of this year, we will be coconut farmers. The P38.5 million pilot producing coconut water in consumer retail project will rise in Bicol, Caraga and Davao. packs for one of the largest coconut water “Before we didn’t have a technology to brands globally,” he said. extend the shelf life of coconut water from mature nuts because we were used to The company has now three drinking only the coconut water from green processing plants in the country, one in San nuts. But we now have a village-level Pablo, Laguna and two in Sta. Cruz, Davao machine for this,” PCA operations manager del Sur. It has been in the region since 1968 Dennis Andres said in an interview. The with its plant in Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao machine was developed by the Philippine del Sur. “Today, Franklin Baker Company is Center for Postharvest Development and proudly owned by the Chandran family of Mechanization (Philmech). Zamboanga and Mr. Peter Garrucho Jr. The company continues to be one of the largest Under the village-level coconut water coconut companies in the world,” Lorenzo processing project, farmers will be trained said. The company, which was established on Good Manufacturing Practices, food 120 years ago, was previously owned by safety standards HACCP (Hazard Analysis conglomerates such as General Foods, Critical Control Points), and Health and Philipp Morris and Kraft Foods. Occupational Safety. Marketing assistance will also be extended to the small farmers. Lorenzo said they now process about (UCAP Bulletin) 1.4 million coconuts a day with about 5,000 workers in all of their three processing FRANKLIN BAKER TO PROCESS 2 plants in the country. Its markets include MILLION COCONUTS DAILY Europe, United States, New Zealand, New coconut processing plant of Japan, Netherlands, Thailand, Singapore, Franklin Baker Inc. is looking to process two Indonesia, Hong Kong and China. With their million coconuts a day once the project is new plant, Lorenzo said they would be able fully completed soon. “This new facility to further increase its volume of production. allows us to scale up when future demand “And when fully constructed, it will have the requires,” said Jerome L. Lorenzo, capacity to process 1-2 million coconuts President and Chief Executive Officer of daily with at least 4,000 workers,” he said. Franklin Baker Inc. during the inauguration (http://mindanaotimes.net) of the plant in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur in January 2017.

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PCA IMPLEMENTS 3-MONTH BAN ON increase the coconut population in the CUTTING COCONUT TREES IN country. PCA records showed that Negros PHILIPPINES Occidental has a cumulative increase of 25 to 30 percent in production areas between The Philippine Coconut Authority 2013 and 2016. (PCA) has implemented a three-month ban on cutting of coconut trees nearly all over Gamarcha said they are looking at the country. All provinces in the country are using the perimeter boundaries of affected by the ban, except for Basilan and sugarcane farms as well as the 700 Isabela City, which have been affected by kilometers shoreline areas as potential for coconut-scale insects or cocolisap. The coconut plantations. Moreover, the PCA is exemption also seeks to boost the coconut also strictly implementing the temporary ban industry in the two areas, where other coco on cutting coconut trees in Negros lumber dealers can source their products. Occidental following the three-month moratorium in the cutting of coconut trees, PCA Administrator Billy Andal said the except in the province of Basilan and moratorium has to be imposed, noting that Isabela City, starting January 3. Gamarcha Republic Act 8048 or the Coconut added that they have already informed Preservation Act of 1995 has not been coconut farmers about the temporary cutting properly implemented. "We really have to ban, and they will ask assistance from the impose a moratorium because RA 8048 is Philippine National Police in monitoring and not effectively enforced. It is as if the coco in intercepting illegal coconut loggers. loggers are just making fun of us, they are However, cutting activities are still expected not taking it seriously. I think it is time to put since cutting permits were approved on and my foot down on this issue," he said. The before December 23, which were before the moratorium will be in effect for three issuance of the moratorium last December months. "We really have to do it or else our 28. (http://pageone.ph) coconut industry will be endangered. There are more coconut trees cut than planted," PILOT PROJECTS TO BOOST SAMOA Andal said. The ban on cutting of coconut COCONUT INDUSTRY trees is also aimed at protecting the supply The Pacific Community (SPC) and the of coconuts in the country. (http://news.abs- European Union will support the coconut cbn.com) industry in Samoa and Vanuatu as part of a PCA TARGETS ADDITIONAL COCONUT new regional initiative to improve small PLANTATIONS IN NEGOCC FOR 2017 producer’s business competitiveness. The €3.5 million Coconut Industry Development An additional 1,000 hectares of Project (C.I.D.P) aims to improve the coconut plantations are being targeted for livelihood of smallholder farmers in Samoa planting in Negros Occidental this year, and Vanuatu, and to share lessons learned according to the Philippine Coconut to support the development of the regional Authority (PCA). Rodrigo Gamarcha Jr., coconut industries. Coconut Development Manager of PCA- Negros Occidental, said in a report Monday S.P.C Project Team Leader, Karen they are optimistic to hit the target for 2017 Mapusua, explained that the call for since the province still has wide areas Expressions of Interest is now open for all potential for coconut production. At present, involved in the coconut industry including the province has about 40,000 hectares of the private sector, farmers’ organisations, coconut plantations with almost 2.4 million and NGOs working with farmers. This bearing trees. From only 500 hectares in the allows potential applicants ample time to previous years, Negros Occidental’s target develop the required business plans and allocation has been increased to 1,000 other documentation and take advantage of hectares as part of the PCA’s program to this unique opportunity to access technical

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 16 | Page assistance, training and equipment to NESTLÉ LAYS FOUNDATION FOR DAIRY support innovation in the coconut sector. In AND COCONUT PLANT IN SRI LANKA Vanuatu, the coconut sector supports 80 Nestlé has commenced construction percent of Vanuatu’s rural population of a new manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka, livelihoods. Until recently copra has been as it strengthens its position in dairy and the country’s main foreign exchange coconut products. A ceremony to lay the earner. In Samoa, over 80 percent of the foundation stone of the plant in Kurunegala population use up to 45 coconuts for was attended by the president of Sri Lanka, cooking each week. Coconut also accounts Maithripala Sirisena. “Through this new for almost 5 percent of export earnings. investment, the company plans to expand Coconut has a central role in the diets its production capacity for its popular dairy of Pacific people and is vital in contributing and coconut-based products, providing to food security, health promotion and consumers with more goods that cater to sustainable livelihoods. New interest in local tastes and nutritional needs,” the coconuts and products such as virgin company was quoted as saying by Lanka coconut oil, coconut water, coconut sap Business Online. “We are committed to Sri products and timber amongst others are Lanka and believe in the country’s growth also presenting opportunities for new growth potential,” continued Nestlé Lanka in the coconut industry. Mapusua said that Managing Director Shivani Hegde. “Our new there will be a very competitive selection investment reinforces our purpose of process for the projects with a strong due enhancing the quality of life of the people of diligence component. “The national level Sri Lanka as it will empower the farmers we mechanism that verifies Expressions of work with daily and uplift their lives.” Interest (E.O.I) will ensure that it must align Nestlé already operated a factory with the national development priorities for in Kurunegala, where it installed a new UHT the sector. A Technical Advisory Group milk plant at the end of 2016. It invested consisting of an independent panel of around LKR 500 million ($3.34 million) on experts, will assess all submissions based the new production facility in November as a on the eligibility and selection criteria and commitment to develop the local dairy draw up a short-list of prospective pilot industry. The Swiss-headquartered projects,” she said. Application forms and company anticipated that its new plant, for detailed information on the application the manufacture of ready-to-drink products process are available on the S.P.C website. like Milo, Nespray, Nutri-Up and Nescafé (http://www.samoaobserver.ws) Ice, would help provide local consumers COCONUT PRODUCTS COULD BE $1B with more milk-based products that cater to EXPORT EARNER IN SRI LANKA local tastes and nutritional needs. It also launched a collaboration with the Sri Lanka Total coconut products exports rose Coconut Cultivation Board to donate 10,000 12% to an estimated 84 billion rupees in coconut plantlets to 2,000 coconut 2016 compared to 2015. According to the farming families at the beginning of last Ministry of Plantation Industries, there were month, calling the initiative ‘another big big increases in poonac, vinegar and virgin commitment to helping develop the local coconut oil. Plantation Industries Minister coconut industry’. (http://www.foodbev.com) Navin Dissanayake says that earnings from COCONUT PLANTING TO BE coconut product exports can go up to 1 INCREASED billion dollars from around 500 million dollars now, if more nuts can be acquired The Committee for Vegetable Oil has instructed state agencies to solve a coconut for processing. (http://www.hirunews.lk) shortage in a sustainable way, by increasing

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 Page | 17 planting nationwide instead of importing Domestic demand for coconuts has from abroad. increased along with growth in the Thai food industry, as coconut milk is a key ingredient The committee, chaired by Deputy of many Thai dishes. Prime Minister Prajin Juntong acknowledged that coconut production has While domestic supply is short, declined steadily over the past five years Thailand continues to export canned because of drought and destructive pests. coconut milk. The area used for growing coconuts The Agriculture and Agricultural Co- nationwide fell to 1.1 million rai last year operatives reported that Thailand exported from 1.3 million in 2012. about 180,000 tonnes of coconut milk last year, up from 110,000 tonnes in 2012. A pest known as the coconut black- (http://www.bangkokpost.com) headed caterpillar has been blamed for lowering Thailand's coconut productivity to COCONUT EXPORT TO FOREIGN 632 kilogrammes a rai on average, MARKET DECLINE BY 80% FROM TONGA compared with 806kg in 2012. The matured coconut exported to Yesterday, ACM Prajin ordered the foreign markets declined by 80% as a result of establishment of a working committee with the shortage of supplies in the local market action plans, aimed at boosting production and many bush allotment. These were to the level Thailand used to enjoy five negative impacts of the prolonged drought in years ago. the year 2014 and 2015. The price of coconut sold in the local market has increase to Authorities say Thailand's coconut TOP$10.00 for only 5 to 7 coconuts only, says production used to be about 800,000 tonnes the CEO of Agriculture Dr. Viliami Manu. but the volume fell to about 740,000 tonnes Prices of the current exportation of coconut last year. are 70 seniti per coconut compared to the The shortage resulted in the import of price of 40 seniti per coconut in the previous more than 140,000 tonnes of coconut. years. Dr. Manu adds, last year only 96 tons In order to increase productivity, the was exported compared to 785 tons exported action plans should focus on increasing in 2014. However coconut was not the only plantation areas. crop affected but also other root crops such as yam, taro and Tongan Kava which increases The working committee is also to the price of TOP$100.00 per kilo. Last year expected find better coconut varieties for two major produce that were able to be future production through research and exported were cassava and yam, due to its development. ability to withstand the prolonged drought Imports on coconuts must be season. (http://www.tonga-broadcasting.net) scrutinised, as many of them were brought OVERALL SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP in illegally to avoid taxes. COCONUT INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM The working committee is scheduled to According to the Ben Tre provincial hand ACM Prajin the action plans at the Department of Science and Technology, next meeting in March. Vietnam has around 144,000 hectares The crop shortage led to heavy imports of coconut trees, of which 53,000 hectares over the past five years, from only 27,000 are in the southern province of Ben Tre, tonnes in 2012 to 140,000 tonnes last year. providing 80 percent of coconut output for the processing industry. Ben Tre takes the Most imported coconuts are from lead among localities throughout the country Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and in coconut productivity and quality. Since Myanmar. 2001, the dried grated coconut rice sector

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 18 | Page has driven coconut prices up, bringing SAUDI ARABIA SHOWS INTEREST TO stable incomes to farmers. At the time of FORM JOINT VENTURE WITH INDIAN price hikes in 2011, one coconut was sold at COMPANIES VND12,000. The dried grated coconut rice The Arab business community is keen has now become Ben Tre’s key export item. to form joint ventures with Indian companies Participants at the seminar said that to set up integrated coconut based the value chain of Ben Tre coconut is still industries in Saudi Arabia, the BusinessLine weak due to lax production and processing reported last December. The business procedures, limited investment and low offers received at the recently-concluded productivity. The coconut processing Foodex Saudi 2016 at Jeddah are a pointer industry remains outdated and fails to to this. The Coconut Development Board expand its market, while the current market got a series of enquiries from the trade on is not stable and coconut prices still depend several value-added products, such as on foreign markets where foreign traders desiccated coconut powder, virgin coconut are capable of greatly affecting the prices. oil, Neera honey, coconut sugar, etc. Increasing the value chain of coconut trees A CDB official who participated in the involves promoting links between farmers, event told BusinessLine that there were traders and processing businesses. good trade enquiries at the Board’s pavilion Chairman of the Ben Tre Coconut on the export possibility of different branded Association Ho Vinh Sang said value-added coconut products. The Arab approximately 70 percent of households in community is highly aware of the health and the province grow coconuts and around wellness benefit of coconut and this could 50,000 households earn their primarily be translated into a potential business for the export of coconut products in the entire income from the tree. Ben Tre has more West Asia. Many of the business groups than 50,000 workers in the industry, have shown interest in the import of de- employed by 70 businesses and 1,400 husked nuts. production units. In the last year, coconut products accounted for 40 percent of Ben In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, ending November, India Tre’s total export earnings. Consequently, exported 631.22 tons of fresh coconut; increasing the coconut value chain will 758.98 tons of coconut oil and 905.99 tons benefit all parties concerned and harmonize of desiccated coconut to Saudi Arabia. their interests. A number of solutions were Besides, coconut oil, activated carbon and devised to ensure the balanced coconut chutney powder are finding new development of cultivation and processing markets in the country. (UCAP Bulletin) based on a master plan to develop the PLANT-BASED WATER SALES TO coconut industry until 2020 with a vision for DOUBLE BY 2020 2030. Participants at the seminar also underlined the need to build a material area By 2020, the market for plant-based water will double in size to reach $5.4 following the connectivity model to promote billion, according to food and drink linkage between businesses and coconut consultancy Zenith Global in its 2017 Global farmers. Alternative Waters report. Last year, this Developing trademarks and key market generated sales of more than $2.7 products, and upgrading cultivation and billion. In volume terms this will approach processing technologies are among the 1,900 million liters. The majority of value comes from North and South America, with prioritized solutions, they said. coconut and maple water sales performing (https://m.vietnambreakingnews.com) strongly in these markets. Growth drivers

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 Page | 19 are consumers seeking alternatives to sugar Norte, which could be built within the year. sweetened beverages and looking for (UCAP Bulletin) healthy hydration options, according to HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH Zenith. VIRGIN COCONUT OIL TO DRIVE MARKET Alternative waters, or plant waters are GROWTH: TECHNAVIO categorized by Zenith as those that are The global virgin coconut oil extracted directly from the plant. Coconut, maple and birch waters are the main market is expected to grow at a CAGR of contenders in the market, with coconut close to 11% during the forecast period, water taking the lion’s share. Coconut water according to Technavio’s latest report. In continues to dominate the alternative waters this report, Technavio covers the market market, making up 96% of volume and 86% outlook and growth prospects of the global of value in 2016. While the market for other virgin coconut oil market for 2017-2021. plant-based waters is characterised by small By product type, this market is classified into and local players, multinational players have organic and inorganic virgin coconut oil a strong foothold in the coconut water segments. One of the most important market. The segment now has three major factors driving the virgin coconut oil market global leads: The CocaCola Company with is the wide range of health benefits its Zico and Innocent brands; PepsiCo with associated with it. It helps in lowering One, Kero Coco and Naked; and All Market cholesterol, aids to keep candida in check, with Vita Coco. reduces the risk of heart diseases, supports the immune system, and nourishes the Meanwhile, the coconut water market brain. Technavio’s research study segments in Asia Pacific and South America is the global virgin coconut oil market into the dominated by unpackaged coconut water following regions: Asia Pacific (APAC), consumption. Therefore, the markets offer Europe, Americas and Middle East and particular opportunity for packaged coconut Africa (MEA). water to grow, says Zenith. In fact, Asia Pacific and South America are expected to APAC: largest virgin coconut oil market be the fastest growing markets for coconut segment water. Opportunities for brands can be “APAC is the largest producer and found by providing waters with positioning exporter of virgin coconut oil. The such as premium, organic, craft and “not Philippines and Indonesia are the largest from concentrate”. (UCAP Bulletin) contributors to the virgin coconut oil market KOREAN INVESTORS EYE JOINT in the region, driven by the ever-increasing VENTURE WITH PH VCO PRODUCER demand for the product,” says Manjunath Reddy, one of the lead analysts at A South Korean cosmetic company is Technavio for food research. The virgin negotiating with a local virgin coconut oil coconut oil produced in the region are (VCO) producer for a possible joint venture. mainly exported to the US, the UK, Canada, Davao Investor Association (DIA) President and other countries in Europe and the Virgilio Sangutan told a press conference Americas. The players in the market are recently that the investor was willing to link employing innovative and advanced farming up with VCO producers here to supply them techniques to increase their production with four to six tons of VCO monthly. capabilities to meet the growing demand. Sangutan, who is owner of MI Herbal, declined though to reveal the South Korean Europe: healthy lifestyle changes driving company, but assured it was “very virgin coconut oil market in the region committed” to push through with the project The increasing attention of consumers this year. It even proposed to put up a VCO towards healthy lifestyles and diets is manufacturing plant in Carmen, Davao del

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 20 | Page driving the demand for virgin coconut oil in oil, tender coconut water, and coconut Europe. Health studies on virgin coconut oil, milk. The production capacity is expected to which has a large amount of lauric acid, is increase over the forecast period, with proven to reduce cholesterol levels, have vendors pushing to make maximum utility of resulted in increasing demand for virgin Africa’s potential in the market in the coming coconut oil in Europe. The distribution years. (http://www.businesswire.com) channels for the product is snowballing and is widely available in large supermarkets in THE QUEANBEYAN COCONUT OIL the region. The region imports its oil from COMPANY HELPING OUT POOR the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, COMMUNITIES Thailand, Malaysia, and Papua New They may be a long way from the Guinea. tropics, but hidden in Queanbeyan is a Americas: insightful marketing of virgin company that's all about coconut oil, and coconut oil helping poor communities along the way. “The popularity of virgin coconut oil is Niulife, pronounced 'new life', was increasing among consumers in countries started by husband and wife team Dan and such as the US, Canada, and Brazil as Maureen Etherington. consumers are becoming more aware of the The two originally met at university in health benefits associated with consumption South Africa and lived around the world, of virgin coconut oil. The perception that before settling in Canberra with their three virgin coconut oil helps in fighting obesity sons in 1972 when Dan was offered a job at and overweight related issues among the ANU. consumers is driving the demand for the At the University, Dan taught market in the Americas,” says Manjunath. agricultural development economics, a field The negative image that was associated that included a lot of international travel. with coconut oil is slowly being cast-off, with vendors undertaking insightful marketing "On one of my visits I went to Sri activities for the promotion of virgin coconut Lanka, and this was in 1976, and I was oil. The Caribbean accounts for the blown away by the wide variety of products maximum production of coconuts in the that you got from coconut, and I was equally region and the rest are imported from shocked by the poverty of people involved APAC. when they specialised at all in coconut," said Dan. MEA: increased production of virgin coconut oil from Africa After learning more about coconuts and the production process, Dan set about The Middle East and Africa are not far inventing a system to make the extraction of behind the other regions in terms of demand oil easier. created for virgin coconut oil. This demand in driving the introduction of new and "There was no thought of forming a interesting products that are attractive to the business," said Maureen. consumers in the region. For instance, Vita "Dan was about to retire and he had Coco introduced its virgin coconut oil this hobby ... We had no business product in the UAE market, which is organic, experience whatsoever - I was a school 100% raw, extra-virgin, and cold pressed. teacher originally and Dan was a teacher at Additionally, there is an increased the university. So we hadn't been in a family production of virgin coconut oil in the African that did business, we didn't know how region. ROCAC Group from Kenya is the business worked, it didn't strike us that there first company from Africa to successfully was business material in this at all." package and distribute virgin coconut

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After tinkering a bit more with Dan's 7,964 MT from 4,883 MT. Oleochemicals invention and doing trials in Fiji, the jumped 31.4% to 3,437 MT as copra from Etheringtons started Niulife, with a mission 2,616 MT. There was no reported shipment to help coconut farmers. of copra as last year. Working with poor communities across Other products performed as follows, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Papua in MT: coco shell charcoal 2,732 (+25.9% New Guinea and Sri Lanka, Niulife sends from 2,170 year-ago), activated carbon over all the equipment to extract coconut oil 5,911 (+43.9% from 4,107), virgin coconut and start a business. oil 1,930 (-12.7% from 2,211), coconut water 5.651 million liters (-10.0% from 6.278 They then support the coconut farmers million), fresh coconuts 21,049 pieces with their business model, and in selling (-97.6% from 864,371), Others 17,256 their products to their own communities. (+207.1% from 5,619). Anything export-quality that is un-sold, January-October export, however, Niulife buys it back for distribution in remained behind last year. Total Australia, with all the profits going straight accumulated to 1,052,372 MT in copra back to the producers. terms, a drop by 18.1% from 1,284,450 MT What started in a backyard in at the same time year-before. Breakdown is Queanbeyan has now helped over 5000 as follows, in MT: copra 59 (480 year-ago), villagers. coconut oil 571,440 (736,694), copra meal And their range has expanded to a 222,484 (319,729), desiccated coconut whole suite of coconut-based products - 73,252 (57,693), oleochemicals as copra flour, sauces and marinades, sugar, 32,012 (25,417); coco shell charcoal 24,460 vinegars, soaps and moisturisers. (52,412), activated carbon 49,930 (44,361), virgin coconut oil 23,021 (32,715), coconut Niulife products are sold at health food water 53.031 million liters (62.589 million), stores Australia-wide and at niulife.com.au. fresh coconuts 5.746 million pieces (2.801 (http://www.canberratimes.com.au) million), Others 82,217 (73,303). (UCAP Bulletin) TRADE NEWS PERFORMANCE OF PH’S TOP NON-

TRADITIONAL COCO EXPORTS IN PHILIPPINE COCONUT PRODUCTS OCTOBER 2016 EXPORT UP IN OCTOBER 2016 Data from the Philippine Statistics Official data from the Philippine Authority show an increasing number of Statistics Authority show export of coconut non-traditional coconut products generating products from the Philippines in October monthly export revenue of at least 2016 totaled 169,075 MT in copra terms, USD100,000, thus qualifying in the sector’s increasing by 21.0% from similar month top exports list. For the month of October year-earlier at 139,762 MT. Gross export there were 12 non-traditional coconut receipts rocketed 40.3% to USD202.528 products in the list with the top five having million from USD144.383 million. earnings of over USD1.000 million. All major exports but copra meal VIRGIN COCONUT OIL was this recorded double digit year-on-year growth in month’s top nontraditional export product volume traded. Coconut oil leaped 18.3% generating USD8.178 million from shipment to 96,595 MT, the highest so far since of 1,930 MT. However, volume this month January, from 81,646 MT. Copra meal dropped by 12.7% from year-ago figure at plunged 51.8% to 16,424 MT from 34,051 2,210 MT. The United States remained the MT. Desiccated coconut rocketed 63.1% to biggest outlet cornering 825 MT or 42.7% of

COCOMMUNITY, VOL. XLVII NO. 2, 1 February 2017 22 | Page total sales, followed by Brazil at 403 MT destinations led by Brazil capturing 294 MT (20.9%), Germany at 222 MT (11.5%) and (74.4%). Following behind were the United Canada at 199 MT (10.3%). Smaller States at 63 MT (15.8%), Thailand at 22 MT volumes went to Belgium at 88 MT (4.6%), (5.7%), Taiwan 14 MT (3.4%) and Australia Japan 24 MT (1.2%), Australia 23 MT at 3 MT. (1.2%) and 19 other countries which jointly SHAMPOO, the sixth top export held 147 MT (7.6%). turned in USD524,599. Cargo during the COCONUT WATER, the second month at 128 MT more than tripled the biggest non-traditional export, grossed previous year data at 39 MT. Singapore was USD5.405 million from sale of 5,650,852 key destination at 78 MT (61.0%), trailed by liters. Export volume dropped by 10.0% Mongolia at 36 MT (28.4%), United States from prior year at 6,277,697 liters. The at 7 MT (5.5%), Australia 3 MT (2.3%) and United States was still a top destination seven other countries that absorbed the capturing 4,310,940 liters (76.3%), followed remaining 4 MT. far behind by Netherlands at 311,040 liters COCO MILK POWDER came in (5.5%), United Kingdom at 305,114 liters seventh and generated income of (5.4%), Canada at 219,300 liters (3.9%), USD480,628 from 113 MT export. Total Australia at 113,041 liters (2.0%), United delivery during the month trimmed down Arab Emirates at 109,637 liters and 10 prior year data at 228 MT by 50.4%. This others which shared 281,781 liters. was consigned to Netherlands at 25 MT GLYCERIN which took the third spot (22.5%), United States and China at 20 MT had income of USD3.912 million. Tonnage apiece, Italy at 19 MT (17.1%) and three at 5,765 MT multiplied more than three others with aggregate uptake of 28 MT. times the previous year total at 1,750 MT. LIQUID COCO MILK with revenue of Japan took the lead during the month USD430,702 filled in the eighth place. capturing 3,818 MT (66.2%), followed far Export volume was down at 185 MT (348 behind by China at 1,122 MT (19.5%). MT year-ago) with Japan as key buyer Limited volume went to North Korea at 288 cornering 75 MT (40.2%), trailed by the MT (5.0%), Russia at 172 MT (3.0%), United States at 66 MT (35.6%) and four Malaysia at 150 MT (2.6%), and nine other countries with combined purchases of 45 countries that took in the remaining volume MT (24.2%) of 537 MT. BUKAYO, with turnover of TOILET/BATH SOAP ranked fourth USD353,680 from business of 187 MT (nil with proceeds of USD1.188 million from year-ago) was ranked ninth. Saudi Arabia trade of 547 MT. The volume was sharply was primary destinations controlling 57 MT down by 18.7% from 673 MT year-ago. (30.5%), followed by Taiwan at 49 MT Taiwan was primary destination capturing (26.2%), Hong Kong at 17 MT (9.1%), 128 MT (23.4%), trailed by United Arab Latvia at 16 MT (8.6%), South Korea at 14 Emirates at 104 MT (19.0%). Smaller loads MT (7.5%), Japan at 11 MT (5.9%) and four went to Thailand at 78 MT (14.3%), Vietnam other countries which shared 23 MT. at 76 MT (13.9%), Singapore at 59 MT (10.8%), Saudi Arabia at 50 MT (9.1%) and HUSK CUBES was tenth leading non- a dozen other countries with combined traditional export, earning USD334,468 from uptake of 52 MT (9.5%). transactions involving 1,562 MT. The figure COCONUT CREAM landed fifth with was more than 28 times prior year total at turnover of USD1.133 million from overseas 54 MT. Volume went chiefly to China at purchases of 396 MT. The volume sharply 1,407 MT (90.1%). The rest went to Spain increased by 121.5% from 179 MT year- at 105 MT (6.7%) and South Korea at 50 ago. There were only five country MT (3.2%).

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NATA DE COCO took the 11th slot (5.0%), Indonesia 2,500 MT (3.9%) and turning in USD234,395 from dealings of 307 China at 2,000 MT (3.1%). MT. The total was more than 10 times External trade of copra meal mildly previous year data at 30 MT. Japan was rose by 1.2% to 32,560 MT from 32,159 MT. almost an exclusive destination at 234 MT Current month volume likewise beat the (76.2%). The rest had market shares less monthly average at 22,034 MT by a than 7%: Netherlands 20 MT (6.5%), South massive 47.8%. Korea was the principal Korea 18 MT (6.0%), Malaysia 15 MT buyer at 18,775 MT, accounting for 57.7% (4.9%) and three others which absorbed the of total sales. Vietnam was second biggest balance 20 MT (6.4%). market at 8,960 MT (27.5%) trailed by China Completing the top 12 non-traditional at 3,400 MT (10.4%) and India at 1,425 MT exports was COCO PEAT/DUST which (+4.4%). contributed USD156,550 from sale of 1,919 Overseas shipment of desiccated MT. The shipment leaped by a whopping coconut at 6,500 MT spiked 27.6% from 232.6% from 577 MT of the previous year. 5,093 MT, continuing seven straight months There were only four country destinations: of year-on-year growth. However, the total China cornered the biggest share at 1,858 was 11.0% short of the monthly average at MT (96.8%); while limited volume went to 7,302 MT. On the other hand, export of Taiwan at 27 MT (4.7%), South Korea at 18 oleochemicals contracted radically by MT and Japan at 16 MT. (UCAP Bulletin) 32.7% to 2,650 MT as copra from 3,939 MT PHILIPPINE COCONUT PRODUCTS and similarly fared below the monthly EXPORT UP SHARPLY IN DECEMBER average at 3,142 MT by 15.7%. There was 2016 no reported shipment of copra during the month as last year. UCAP preliminary data show export of coconut products leaped steeply in Total export for calendar year 2016, December by 64.1% to 115,292 MT in copra however, remained below prior year despite terms from 70,262 MT at the same time the vast improvement in December data. year-earlier. The increase came largely from Volume stood at 1,302,329 MT in copra the significant recovery in coconut oil terms to record a 12.5% shortfall from shipment. However, volume lagged by 1,489,043 MT. Breakdown is as follows, in 14.4% from prior month unofficial total at MT: copra 59 (480 last year), coconut oil 134,667 MT but bested by 6.8% the 712,423 (853,153), copra meal 274,937 average of the past 11 months (January- (378,085), desiccated coconut 86,819 November) at 107,913 MT. (67,259), oleochemicals as copra 37,211 (30,365). (UCAP Bulletin) With the exception of oleochemicals, all export products in review posted U.S. IMPORT OF LAURIC OILS DOWN IN improved levels compared to year-ago. OCTOBER 2016 Furthermore, coconut oil and copra meal Oil World figures reveal U.S. import of exceeded the monthly average of the 11- lauric oils in October 2016 totaled 52,200 month period to November. MT, a sharp drop by 31.9% from 76,700 MT Export of coconut oil shot up by 75.5% in the same month year-ago dragged for the to 64,633 MT from 36,823 MT and most part by the plunge in coconut oil surpassed by 9.8% the monthly average at uptake. Of this total, coconut oil accounted 58,890 MT. The US was this month’s top for 64.9% or 33,900 MT (54,900 MT in the destination responsible for 44.8% of total prior year) while palm kernel oil contributed trade at 28,950 MT. Europe closely followed the remaining 35.1% or 18,300 MT (21,800 with market share of 43.3% at 27, 983 MT. MT). Other destinations were Japan at 3,200 MT

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Indonesia was top supplier of lauric oil to the U.S. during the month with shipment BIO-DIESEL NEWS of 25,300 MT (14,900 MT), the equivalent of 48.5% of total lauric oil import. This consisted of palm kernel oil at 14,700 MT WORLD BIODIESEL PR ODUCTION UP IN 2016 (5,200 MT) and coconut at 10,600 MT (9,700 MT). The Philippines shared 40.0% Data from Oil World show world or 20,900 MT (43,800 MT) of coconut oil production of biodiesel in calendar 2016 only. Malaysia contributed 4,700 MT rose by 34.8% to 39.92 million MT from (16,600 MT) of which 1,100 MT (100 MT) 29.62 million MT in a similar period year- was coconut oil and 3,600 MT (16,500 MT) ago. The figure is the highest so far during was palm kernel oil. Purchases from other the five-year period beginning 2012 in which countries totaled 1,300 MT (1,400 MT) year production was 9.74 million MT. which was solely coconut oil at 1,300 MT (1,300 MT). Palm kernel oil export was nil The United States was the biggest (100 MT year-ago). single country producer of biodiesel with 5.85 million MT (4.90 million MT a year January-October total at 731,600 MT ago), followed by Brazil 3.36 million MT was 1,100 MT behind from same time last (3.46 million MT), Germany 3.00 million MT year figure at 732,700 MT. Coconut oil was (3.00 million MT), Indonesia 3.00 million MT 430,000 MT (475,100 MT) of which 53.8% (1.16 million MT), Argentina at 2.65 million or 231,200 MT (286,800 MT) came from the MT (1.81 million MT) and France 2.02 million MT (2.05 million MT). However, as a Philippines. Palm kernel oil was 301,600 MT group, EU-28 production was 12.35 million (257,600 MT) of which 59.0% or 177,900 MT (12.37 million MT), of which leading MT (92,600 MT) originated from Indonesia. producers Germany, France, Spain, (UCAP Bulletin) Netherlands and Italy accounted for 71.1%.

COCONUT TECHNOLOGY Data also show palm oil was the top COCONUT TECHNOLOGY feedstock utilized during the year at 10.07 NEWS million MT (8.55 million MT) used mainly in

EU-28 and Indonesia. This is followed by COCONUT PESTS IN FIJI INCREASE soybean oil at 9.07 million MT (7.69 million AFTER CYCLONE WINSTON MT) used mainly in USA, Argentina, Brazil in that order; rapeseed oil 7.18 million MT Coconut farmers in Fiji are being told to (7.17 million MT) used mainly in EU-28. get rid of dead trees and decaying Used cooking oil utilization was 2.96 million vegetation left behind after Cyclone Winston MT (2.71 million MT) used largely in EU-28; tallow 2.22 million MT (2.31 million MT) with in order to stop the spread of pests. The Brazil as leading user; Other oils & fats 1.12 Ministry of Agriculture said there had been million MT (0.91 million MT) used largely in an increase in rhinoceros beetles feeding on USA; sunflower oil 0.18 million MT (0.15 fallen trees and other vegetation ruined in million MT); and coconut oil 0.13 million MT the intense storm which hit Fiji nearly a year (0.13 million MT) used in the Philippines. (UCAP Bulletin) ago. The beetle feeds on the soft immature fronds in the crown of the palms, weakening the plant and reducing its production. The OTHER VEGEOIL NEWS Ministry's Research Director Apaitia

Macanawai said farmers could get help MP EVANS SELLS STAKE IN OIL PALM putting in place traps infected with a fungus PLANTATION and virus which kill the beetles. The UK’s MP Evans Group Plc said (http://www.radionz.co.nz) last month that it had agreed to sell its 37% stake in Indonesian oil palm plantation firm

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PT Agro Muko for US$100 million as it industry category. The awards were continues to try and fight off a takeover offer presented to Cargill at a ceremony held at from Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, the office of the Vice President of the the Alliance News reported. The company Republic of Indonesia, H. Muhammad Jusuk said it was selling its stake to Belgian joint Kalla, on December 7. The Vice President venture partner, Sipef group, which already was joined by Environment and Forestry holds a 47% interest in the company. The Ministry Dr. Siti Nurbaya. sale price is worth US$13,860 per planted Cargill’s environmental best practices hectare in PT Agro Muko, comprising were further lauded by Industry Minister US$13,000 per planted hectare in addition Airlangga Hartato at the Green Industry to the value of PT Agro Muko’s current Awards 2016 on December 20. Hindoli’s assets. MP Evans said the US$13,000/ha Sungai Lilin and Tanjung Dalam mills figure was close to the independent received the highest award, Level V, for valuation figure of US$13,100 per planted their sustainable production processes. hectare that it cited on 16 November in Both awards are testament to Cargill’s rejecting KL Kepong’s takeover bid. ongoing pursuit of its global environmental MP Evans assets consist of oil palm goals - using energy and fresh water more plantations (both majority and minority held) efficiently, reducing greenhouse gases in Indonesia and residential property (GHG), and drawing power from renewable development in Malaysia. The company energy sources - all of which bring said the sale was in line with its strategy of economic, environmental and social selling off its minorityheld Indonesian benefits to customers, communities and estates in favour of directly-managed businesses. (UCAP Bulletin) projects and it was now looking at a INDONESIA ACCOUNTS FOR 58 prospective investment to replace “at least” PERCENT OF SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL the equivalents of the 7,000 ha it held in PT PRODUCTION - RSPO Agro Muko. MP Evans also said it was planning to sell its 38% share in PT Indonesia accounts for 58 percent of Kerasaan, another Indonesian palm-oil joint the worlds sustainable production of palm venture with Sipef, comprising 2,300 oil, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil planted hectares. (UCAP Bulletin) (RSPO) Indonesia Director Tiur Rumondang said. She said currently, the world’s CARGILL PALM OIL MILLS IN sustainable production of palm oil with INDONESIA RECOGNIZED FOR GREEN RSPO certificate totaled 12.15 million tons ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES or 17 percent of the world’s production of Five palm oil mills at Cargill’s PT palm oil. However, consumption of Hindoli (Hindoli) and PT Harapan Sawit sustainable production of palm oil in the Lestari (HSL) oil palm plantations in country is small, she noted. Indonesia were recently recognized for RSPO has also launched a program achievements in environmental called “Youth Leader in Sustainability”, management by the Indonesian Ministry of which is a program to look for future leaders Environment and Forestry and Ministry of expected to increase consumer awareness Industry. backed up with increase in demand for sustainable palm oil based products. The Cargill’s Tanjung Dalam mill (Hindoli) program is launched in collaboration with and Paku Juang and River View mills (HSL) WWF-Indonesia, The Body Shop and Sinar received Blue awards, while its Sungai Lilin Meadow, to last from January until May, mill (Hindoli) and Manis Mata mill (HSL) 2017 with a series of activities including received Green awards in Indonesia’s road show to a number of universities, Program for Pollution Control, Evaluation seminar and process of selection. (UCAP and Rating (PROPER) 2016 in the Agro Bulletin)

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FELDA GLOBAL VENTURES OPTIMISTIC Mah said following the decision, IN 2017 Malaysia would look at other options to mitigate the loss, including entering bilateral Plantation firm, Felda Global Ventures free trade agreements with other TPPA Holdings Bhd (FGV), is optimistic of participating countries. “Other TPPA emerging leaner and stronger in 2017 countries can go ahead with the pact and backed by improved plantation sector’s salvage the hard work of so many years”, performance and commodity prices after a he told reporters after delivering his keynote challenging and tumultuous year that saw address at the 19th Malaysia Strategic its share slipping. The strategy in 2017 shall Outlook Conference 2017 last month. He revolve around three main thrusts, 1) added that apart from expanding the market business rationalisation to make the internationally, the industry will also focus organisation leaner; 2) drive for operational on downstream segments to offer more excellence; and 3) selective external growth value-added products as this is the way forward. (UCAP Bulletin) all to be executed under uncompromising governance and transparency standards, said group President/Chief Executive DID YOU KNOW

Officer, Datuk Zakaria Arshad. As for downstream, FGV shall 9 AMAZING BEAUTY TRICKS, TIPS AND RECIPES USING COCONUT OIL intensify efforts to develop destination and consumers market either through organic If you haven’t got any coconut oil in expansion, marketing agents or strategic your life yet, you need to get some. partnership with local players, he said. Nutritionists are raving about it, beauty FGV’s 2017-20 Strategic Plan, which it bloggers swear by it, and more importantly it’s totally natural. would embark soon, shall provide a well- defined roadmap and methodology to drive Say goodbye to a bathroom full of sustainable growth throughout the pricey beauty products… coconut oil seems organisation. On other development, he to be the answer to everything. said, FGV looked forward to have at least 1. To make your hair shiny 16 mill complexes Roundtable on Use it as a pre-shampoo conditioner Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified (in and massage through your hair. Leave it for 2017) which would open markets that about 40 minutes before stepping into the required sustainability standards. (UCAP shower. Bulletin) 2. As a make-up remover U.S. WITHDRAWAL FROM TRANS Not only does it take your make up off PACIFIC AGREEMENT AFFECTS really efficiently, the coconut oil is really MALAYSIAN PALM OIL EXPORT good for your eye area. The U.S. withdrawal from the Trans 3. As a body scrub Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has affected Malaysia’s target to export RM20 4. To moisturise billion worth of palm oil products to the 12 It works well as a lip balm, and for the participating countries in the pact by 2021. rest of your body you can add in some Plantation Industries and Commodities essential oils for a nice smell. It’s high in Minister, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, said vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin, as of 2014, exports of palm oil products to some people say it has anti-ageing TPPA countries were over RM13 billion. properties too.

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5. Use it as a deodorant - 1 tbs each ground turmeric and cumin - 2 tsp ground coriander Coconut oil is rich in natural antibacterial properties so you can actually - 2 tsp smoked paprika (pimenton) make your own deodorant if you don’t want - 3 cardamom pods to use shop-bought ones made with - 1 cinnamon quill chemicals. - 2 cloves - 1 cup curry leaves, plus extra fried leaves, 6. For strong nails and soft cuticles to serve Apparently coconut oil is great for - 400ml coconut cream strengthening your nails over time to - 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock prevent breakages and for softening the - 2 tbs cashews, crushed, plus extra to cuticles too. serve 7. As a cleanser - Coconut flakes, sliced spring onions and micro coriander, to serve Although it make seem greasy going on to your face, when you wipe it off with a Method: cloth it leaves you with really clean feeling skin. - Combine onion, ginger and garlic in a large bowl. Add chicken thigh and breasts 8. To whiten your teeth and turn to coat. Set aside for 20 minutes Known as ‘oil pulling’, essentially using to marinate. coconut oil as a mouthwash. It’s apparently - Heat 2 tbs coconut oil in a large saucepan quite effective. Although 20 minutes sounds over medium heat. Remove chicken from like a long time! marinade and season with salt. Reserve And we all know beauty starts on the marinade. In two batches, cook chicken, inside… turning, for 5 minutes or until golden. 9. Use it as a replacement to cooking - Remove from pan and set aside. Add oil remaining 1 tbs oil to the pan with chilli, spices, curry leaves and reserved It’s a superfood, packed with nutrients marinade. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or and a ‘healthy fat’. It also contains lauric acid which can help kill bacteria and unlike until fragrant. olive oil the goodness in coconut oil won’t - Return chicken to pan and stir to coat. disappear when it’s heated. Try it on salad Add coconut cream and stock, and reduce dressings or as part of a smoothie as well. heat to medium-low. Cover pan with a lid (http://home.bt.com) and simmer for 20 minutes, then remove lid and reduce heat to low (add a little COCONUT RECIPE extra stock or water if curry looks too dry). - Simmer, stirring occasionally, for a further “Sri Lanka Coconut and Turmeric 20 minutes or until chicken is tender and Chicken Curry” cooked through. Stir cashews through the curry in the final 5 minutes of cooking to Ingredients: warm through. Season. - 1 white onion, grated - Remove chicken breast from curry and - 4cm piece (20g) ginger, grated thickly slice. Divide curry among bowls. - 3 garlic cloves, crushed Top with sliced chicken, chilli, fried curry - 4 chicken thigh fillets, plus 2 x 180g leaves, coconut flakes, spring onion, chicken breasts micro coriander and extra cashews. - 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil (http://www.delicious.com.au) - 1 long red chilli, finely chopped, plus extra thinly sliced chilli to serve

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STATISTICS

Table 1. Indonesia's Monthly Exports of Desiccated Coconut, 2014 - 2016

2014 2015 2016 Month Volume Value (FOB) Volume Value (FOB) Volume Value (FOB) (MT) US$'000 (MT) US$’000 (MT) US$’000

January 5,077 9,231 5,251 10,108 5,150 7,230 February 6,209 11,102 6,456 11,790 4,697 6,805 March 7,146 13,322 8,690 15,386 8,327 10,945 April 7,489 15,114 7,778 13,761 7,484 10,887 May 8,955 17,015 7,097 12,250 7,484 10,216 June 8,659 17,739 8,053 14,107 7,986 12,064 July 7,352 15,099 6,653 10,388 3,810 6,015 August 6,069 12,594 6,713 9,852 6,813 10,724 September 8,821 17,343 7,909 11,033 6,779 10,512 October 7,953 15,201 7,940 10,911 7,020 10,704 November 6,667 12,498 6,513 9,122 6,771 10,209 December 6,401 12,168 6,660 8,902 Total 86,797 168,426 85,715 137,610 72,321 106,310

Source: BPS-Statistics Indonesia

Table 2. Philippines’ Monthly Exports of Desiccated Coconut (in MT), 2014-2016

Month 2014 2015 2016 January 7,137 6,092 4,849 February 10,270 7,107 4,079 March 14,064 5,894 4,897 April 9,896 3,734 4,554 May 12,659 4,842 4,387 June 10,488 4,026 6,234 July 12,015 8,469 12,636 August 15.234 6,583 8,268 September 4,141 6,061 15,384 October 3,124 4,883 7,964 November 6,123 4,474 December 4,501 5,094 Total 94,433 67,259 73,252

Source: Philippines Statistics Authority

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Table 3. Sri Lanka’s Monthly Exports of Desiccated Coconut (in MT), 2014 - 2016

2014 2015 2016 Month Volume Value (FOB) Volume Value(FOB) Volume Value(FOB) (MT) US$'000 (MT) US$’000 (MT) US$’000 January 3,258 8,349 1,597 4,387 2,970 6,345 February 3,888 9,473 1,970 5,756 3,494 7,102 March 5,029 12,593 2,127 6,189 4,487 9,192 April 3,962 10,202 2,164 6,592 3,926 8,145 May 4,989 12,952 2,798 8,211 4,210 8,972 June 4,881 12,982 3,258 9,284 4,354 9,428 July 4,866 12,774 3,533 9,072 4,393 9,410 August 5,060 13,158 3,082 7,866 4,669 9,758 September 4,822 12,680 4,437 10,572 4,604 9,876 October 4,380 11,520 4,169 9,409 4,580 10,048 November 3,049 8,109 3,459 7,594 December 2,948 8,182 3,537 7,540 Total 51,132 132,975 36,131 92,473 41,687 88,276

Source: Coconut Development Authority, Sri Lanka

Table 4. Export Volume of Desiccated Coconut by Country of Origin, 2016 (MT)

Dominican Month Malaysia Thailand India Mexico Republic January 1,140 85 378 1,615 340 February 1,012 127 431 1,914 394 March 871 283 695 1,641 331 April 1,066 89 1,190 1,697 326 May 709 83 1,654 1,260 326 June 1,101 124 1,311 1,646 416 July 978 100 1,452 1,397 322 August 1,036 63 1,353 1,321 422 September 1,069 68 1,145 1,694 336 October 1,435 122 2,258 399

November 37

December

Total 10,417 1,181 11,867 14,185 3,612

Source: UN COMTRADE

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