EMERGING TRENDS IN THE PRODUCTION OE COCONUT WATER BEVERAGES IN INDIA M. Thomas Mathew

I. Introduction

Coconut occupies an incredible place of significance in the Indian Economy due to its dual nature of utility. As a horticultural crop, it provides food and livelihood security to millions of people in the country besides being served as an inevitable item in the socio- religious rituals. It is the unique beverage crop that provides refreshing drinks filled with vitamins and minerals of natural origin. The ripe kernel which is rich in lauric acid and dietary fiber is an important ingredient in the culinary preparations of many households in India and hence become daily dietary item in the food basket. As a cash crop, it is cultivated mainly for the production of copra and further extraction of coconut oil, which is also distinguished by multifarious applications. Coconut oil is one of the important cooking oils in the country and hence fulfills about 6 per cent of the total oil pool of the country. Coconut oil is also used in the non-edible sector Hosur Road. Bangalore Bhadrachalam. T \ mainly for the manufacture of superior quality soaps, shampoo and other nutreceutical products. Thus coconut is considered as the gateway and lifeline of Indian populace.

Even though coconut and coconut products are found C hennai extensive uses and have consistent demand throughout the country. its substantial production is confined to four southern states of India, viz. Kerala. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh accounting for more than 90% of the coconut production. It is estimated that out of the total The Sale of Tender Coconuts in India production of 14,800 million nuts

COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL. VOL 18. No. 2. 2011 about 2220 million nuts are oxidative rancidity, pleasing etc. Dried leaves and other palm utilized in the country for tender flavour and good digestibility parts are used as fuel. The coconut water. The consumption besides using directly as hair oil spindle leaf is used for decoration of tender coconut water is and body oil. Coconut oil and costuming in folk dances. gaining momentum and is derivatives are used in most of The midribs of leaves are used to expected to increase to the tune the cosmetic products. The make brooms, fish traps, and of 4500 million nuts by 2010. coconut oil cake, the byproduct baskets and tongue cleaner. The This paper examines the current of oil industry is in great demand husk yields fiber and pith. status of the crop as consumer and is a major ingredient in the Coconut fiber is used for making goods, particularly as food and manufacturing of cattle feed. an array of products ranging from beverage commodity of millions coir mats to geo-textiles, which of people across the country and The inflorescence sap, command consumer demand then further explains how the traditionally called “neera”, is through out the world. The coir Indian tender coconut water produced from the unopened and coir products forms an export industry is slowly making its spathe/ inflorescence of selected commodity of the producing mark internationally as a healthy palms, through a process countries. Coconut pith, a by­ favourite destination. The paper known as tapping by skilled product of coir industry is ideal is classified in to five parts. Part-1 climbers. It has varied organic manure on composting, is introduction followed by commercial application. Neera. soil conditioner and rooting Economic importance of the crop without fermentation is an ideal medium besides having many in the country and an over view isotonic drink composed for other end uses. The spathe and of domestic coconut industry in vitamins, minerals and free stipules are used as fuel and also Part-II. The Part III explain the nuclei. It is used for production for making handicrafts and other health benefit aspects of coconut of palm sugar, jaggery, vinegar, attractive articles. Coconut is an followed by the main theme of wine and arrack in many eco-friendly plant which helps to the presentation, “Tender countries. Besides, the conserve soil, provides aesthetic Coconut Water: an emerging inflorescence is used to make beauty to the nature, perennial beverage and a lifesaving tonic” ayurvedic medicines. Another and less exhaustive and ideal tree in Part-IV with a concluding important product that has got for bio-hedging on the coastal session in Part-V. consumer demand, throughout ecosystem. Coconut farming, the country, is tender coconut. It trade and processing activities 2. Economic Importance is a nutritious health drink which sustain the livelihood of millions is diuretic and re-hydrating fluid. of people across the globe. It Coconut palm is considered as The tender coconut water is a provides livelihood securities to the benevolent and benign tree, base for many ayurvedic more than 10 million people in which provides food, drinks and preparations. Of late tender 18 states and 3 union territories shelter to mankind. Coconut coconut is also used for the of India. Coconut contributes kernel forms an important manufacturing of wine. The more than US$ 2000 million to ingredient in the diet of many water of mature nut yields the country’s GDP apart from an people in India. Coconut milk, various products such as vinegar, export earning of USS 150 extracted from the grated wet nata-de-coccoa, edible jelly and million. kernel, is an indelible additive in wine. culinary preparations to make the 3. Coconut for Food and food nutritious and tastier. Copra, The shell is used as a fuel besides Nutrient Security the dried kernel, is one of the manufacturing various richest sources of vegetable oils. commercial products like shell Coconut and coconut products As edible oil its consumption is powder, shell charcoal, shell- play a vital role in uplifting the mostly confined to the state of based activated carbon, ice cream nutritional status along with Kerala and the boarder districts, cups, buttons of garments, utility health protection of the of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. articles and show pieces. The soft population particularly in Coconut oil is an important raw bud known as cabbage or southern India where coconut is material for many industrial coconut “heart” is edible and consumed in the form of an products; such as toilet soaps, nutritious. The matured coconut important ingredient in the daily liquid soaps, shaving cream and timber is a strong building diet. It also plays an important natural shampoos. Similarly material apart from making role in supplying the minimum coconut oil finds extensive use in furniture, wall panels, per capita daily requirement of the food industry due to its showpieces and floor tiles. The optimum calories of the low- characteristics such as easy plaited leaf of the palm is used income group of people in these melting behavious, resistance to for thatching, fencing, shading, states. In Kerala, at times of

COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL 18, No. 2, 2011 21 consistently in short supply of Table 1. Constituents of fully ripe kernel rice during the monsoon season, people have access to diverse No. Items Quantity in percentage non-cereal food sources, which form part of the daily diet 1 Moisture 35.40 contributing to a significant 2 Protein 5.50 proportion of the calorie intake. 3 Fat 44 The common non-cereal foods to 4 Carbohydrates 0.60 which the people have ready 5 Crude fiber 3.00 access are coconut; tapioca, yam 6 Ash 2.10 and other tubers; jack and banana including other plantains. The Table 2. Constituents of Tender Coconut Water combined contribution of dietary No. Items Quantity in Percentage energy from these sources is 1 Total Solids 4.71 more than that derived from the 2 Reducing sugars 0.08 domestic output of cereals. Hence the fruit of coconut is 3 Sucrose 1.28 considered as the reservoir of 4 Total sugars 2.08 food and nutrition. Therefore 5 Ash 0.62 coconut is a veritable source of 6 Unidentified organic substances 2.01 food and drink to millions of 7 Sodium 15 mg people across the country. Since 8 Potassium 312 mg coconut is composed of 9 Calcium 29 mg important nutrients in reasonable 10 Magnesium 30 mg, quantity, consumption of coconut either in fresh or any other form 11 Iron 0.01 mg at least twice or thrice a week 12 Copper 0.04 mg would go a long way in 13 Phosphorous 37 mg achieving the nutritional security 14 Sulfur 24 mg as well. Thus growing two or 15 Chloride 183 mg three coconut in a home stead not only provide aesthetic Table 3. Constituents of immature kernel environment to the dwellings but No. Items Quantity in percentage also ensure constant availability 1 Moisture 90.80 of a fairly balanced diet to the family members and thereby 2 Protein 0.80 improve in nutrient intake status. 3 Fat 1.30 4 Carbohydrates 6.30 The mature coconut kernel is the 5 Ash 0.60 rich source of protein, fat, carbohydrate and dietary fiber. Similarly the tender coconut preparations ensures adequate beyond the basic nutrients. The water is the natural source of supply of balanced diet. role of coconut in providing food vitamins and minerals. The Similarly, coconut oil, a medium security with links to poverty major constituents of ripe kernel chain saturated fatty acid, rich in alleviation, policy planning, and tender coconut water are lauric acid, is ideal source of control of malnutrition, dietary fat. India annually given in table 1-3. improving health for millions of produces about 4.5 lakhs MT of coconut oil and 1.7 lakh MT of people in the country is Coconut based food and considered important. Its unique beverages are highly nutritive edible copra. The coconut oil is nature of giving fruits and have medicinal properties. positioned as one of the essential continuously at fixed intervals As seen from the above table, edible oils in the country. coconut kernel is rich in protein, Coconut oil has many physical offer opportunities for easy carbohydrates, dietary fiber and and chemical properties that access of the product for the different minerals and vitamins. give its edge over other daily needs of the mass and is an Hence the continuous use of vegetable oils and fats. It is a instrument in overcoming issue coconut gratings as a major "functional food”. "Functional of malnutrition in the developing foods” arc those foods that ingredient in the food countries. provide a health benefit over and

22 COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL. 18. No. 2, 2011 4. Tender Coconut Water: An emerging beverage and a Amino Acid Composition of Coconut Water lifesaving tonic (% of total protein)

The coconut is both a food and Alanine 2.41 beverage crop. As a beverage Aiynfce 10.75 crop it is unique as it is the nectar provided by mother earth. The Aspartic add 3.60 water of tender coconut, the Cystine 0.97-1.17 liquid endosperm, is the most Glutamic acid 9.76 -14.5 nutritious wholesome beverages Histidine 1.95-2.05 which is 100 per cent natural, untouched and unprocessed. Leucine 1.95-4,1« Unlike soft drinks, which are Lysine 1.95-4.57 characterized by having higher Pro line 1.21 -4.12 sugar content, higher acidity and more additives such as Phenylalanine 1.23 preservatives and colorings and Serine 0.59-0.91 is devoid of any nutritional value, Tyrosine 2JQ-3.00 tender coconut water is an emerging health drink having Source: Pradera et at, 1942 inherent qualities embedded with the wellness of organic vitamins heart to beat. It is the purest calorific value of 17.4 per 100 ml and minerals appropriate to all drink in the world trapped in with normal pH varies between ages. Minerals are essential to the natural bottle. A connoisseur of 4.9 and 5. The chemical functioning of the organ systems soft drink now gage at TCW that composition of tender coconut and our entire body. A number of takes months to make and bottle. water varies depending on the diseases are caused by the It has the taste of pristine honey variety, maturity of the nuts, soil deficiencies of essential minerals and bottled at source by the tree conditions and the topographical in the human body. Similarly the of heaven “ Kalpavriksha”. variations. The major rich source of potassium and the constituents of TCW are sugars optimum level of sodium in It is liked by all classes of people and minerals which are given in TCW help to regulate water and irrespective of caste, creed and the table-2. alkaline balance and help treat gender. Of late the consumption blood pressure. The Calcium of tender coconut is popular even 4.1. Chemical Constituents of presence in this beverage helps to in economically weaker people. Tender Coconut Water: keep bones and teeth strong and A new demand sector of inelastic helps muscles to contract and nature is emerging in the country 4.1.1. Sugars: for tender coconut trade. It has Sugars form major constituents of tender coconut water. The concentration of sugars in the nut water steadily increases from about 1.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent in the early months of development of the nuts. On maturity of the nuts the sugar content in the nut water falls gradually and at the age of 10-12 months it reaches to 2 per cent. In the early stages of maturity sugars in the nut water is in the form of glucose and fructose, the reducing sugars which form the major sugars in the nut water till the maturity of 8 months and subsequently non reducing sugars predominates. In mature coconut water about 50 per cent of the total sugar is sucrose.

COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL. 18, No. 2, 2011 23 4.1.2. Minerals: 4.1.5. Fat: are generally not accessible. In Kerala, in many households, Tender coconut water is rich in The tender coconut water tender coconut water and kernel potassium, sodium, calcium, contains only negligible quantity is mixed together by grinding and phosphorous, iron, copper, sulfur of fat and hence termed as a served as a drink flavored with and Magnesium. Due to its high beverage of no fat. The water of cardamom. It is also used for content of potassium and unripe nuts contains 0.12 per cent making puddings and many a magnesium, Tender coconut fat only and that of the unripe times it is consumed as it is or kernel is 1.4 per cent. water is a prescribed as health mixed with sugarcane jaggery. drinks for heart patients. It is Seven to eight months old nuts 4.2. Medicinal Properties also an ideal drink for patients are ideal for utilizing the tender kernel. recovering from surgeries of In Ayurveda. Tender Coconut various ailments. Water is advised for increasing 4.4. Market for Tender semen, promoting digestion and Coconut 4.1.3. Proteins: clearing the urinary tract. It is also recommended for feeding In India tender coconut is traded The tender coconut water infants suffering from intestinal contains fairly a good amount of disturbances, oral re-hydration in almost all the cities in its proteins. The important amino medium for the patients suffering natural forms. The traders are mostly street venders. India is acids present in the TCW are from cholera, gastro-intestinal the largest producer and the arginine, alanine, cystine and disorders and similar ailments. consumer of tender coconut serine. The absence of complex TCW contains organic water in the world. The major protein made it fit for prescribing compounds possessing growth- promoting properties and its assembling markets for as life saving drinks to patients. upcountry sales of tender The protein content in the tender consumption keeps the body cool. It is an excellent drink for coconuts are Maddur in coconut water is reported to be the children and old age people Karnataka, College Street, higher at 7th month of and hence termed as a pediatric Kolkatta in WestBcngal, Junagat development of the nuts and at and geriatric drinks. It is an in Gujarat and Mumbai in this stage about 70 per cent of the isotonic beverage and hence is Maharashtra. Tender coconut is free amino acids are Glutamine, recommended as a sport drinks. widely marketed in the states of Arginine, and Arpargine. It is diuretic and is used for the Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. Kerala. Similarly the protein content in treatment of kidney and urethral Andhara Pradesh and Goa. In the unripe kernel reaches stones. The Tender Coconut Tamil Nadu more than one lakh maximum of 8.3% at the 811' Water, in its sterile conditions, is tender coconut is being sold daily month and there up on it used as blood plasma substitutes in the cities like Chennai and decreases and reaches to 6.2 at as it neither produces heat and Madurai. Of late Tamil Nadu maturity. The amino acids and nor destroys the red blood cells supply tender coconut to the the reducing sugars, minerals and is readily accepted by the neighbouring states like Kerala presents in the TCW and the body. Tender Coconut water is for their daily requirements. In unripe nuts are in the simplest gentle on the system and hence Karnataka, the Agricultural form and absorb the body preferred for infants and young Produce Marketing Co­ directly without routing through as a daily dose of refreshing operatives (APMCs) at Maddur. the digestive system and hence tonic. Similarly, taking a glass of Mandya, Channarayapatana, TCW and unripe kernel is a tender coconut water daily by Holenarshimapura, Hosdurga and athletes and sports persons helps functional food. Kadur are the major assembling to rejuvenate the body markets for tender coconuts. instantaneously. 4.1.4. Vitamins: India annually produces about 14,810 million nuts out of which 4.3. Kernel of Tender Coconut The tender coconut water is the about 2300 million nuts are utilized as tender coconut. About natural source of adequate The kernel of tender coconut or quantity of Vitamin C & B the solid endosperm is rich in 15 per cent of the total group. The concentration of carbohydrates and protein. It is production of coconut in the ascorbic acid ranges from 2.2 to sweet and soft and is taken along country is consumed in the form 3.7 mg per ml of water, which with the tender coconut. A tender of tender coconut. More than 3 gradually diminishes on maturity coconut along with its kernel lakhs people are dependant on of nuts due to the development serves as a good diet, particularly the trade of tender coconut. The and hardening of kernel. on journey when hygiene foods consumption pattern of coconut

24 COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL 18, No. 2, 2011 Table 4. Consumption Pattern of Coconut in India

2005-2006* Consumption pattern of coconut Area Production Sate/ UT Nuts for Nuts for Mature nuts for Nuts for tender ('000 ha) % Share (Million Nuts) copra(milling other edible purpose coconut water edible) purposes

ANDHRA PRADESH 104 5 892 312 312 223 45

ASSAM 21.3 1 205 154 0 41 10

GOA 25.2 1 124 68 12 37 6

Gujarat 16.4 0.84 138 55 0 55 28

KARNATAKA 385.4 20 1210 363 423 363 60

KERALA 900 46 6326 2783 2910 316 316

MAHARASHTRA 18 0.92 273 109 27 109 27

Nagaland 0.9 0.05 1 0.96 0 0.12 0.12

ORISSA 50.8 3 275 220 0 55 0

TAMIL NADU 370 19 4867 973 2677 730 487

TRIPURA 3.3 .17 7 5 0 1 0.7

WEST BENGAL 24.3 1 324 0 0 292 32

A & N ISLANDS 25.6 1 87 35 26 17 9

LAKSHADWEEP 2.7 0.14 53 21.2 16 11 5

PONDICHERRY 2.2 0.11 30 15 9 6 0

1950.1 100 14811.9 5115 6413 2257 ALL INDIA 1027 (34.53) (43) ______Q 5 M ______2 L . in the country is given in the technologies for preservation and transfer of the technologies to following table 4. packing of tender coconut water entrepreneurs for setting up the in convenient containers for units. The Board supports 4.5 Coconut Development enhancing the shelf life without entrepreneurs to set up the units Board in Pursuit of loosing its inherent qualities and for production and marketing. Promoting TCW as Health taste as well as for easy The Board is succeeded in drink transportation to non-producing transferring the technology for consuming centers. The CDB in setting up the industries in 4.5.1. Technology Develop­ collaboration with the Defense Karnatka, Tamil Nadu. Andhara ment for the Preserva­ Food Research Laboratory Pradesh, Gujarat and W'est tion and Packing of (DFLR), Mysore had developed a Bengal with varying capacities Tender Coconut Water technology for preservation and ranging from 5000 nuts to 25.000 packing of tender coconut water nuts per day. Altogether thirteen The increasing demand for in pouches and aluminum cans entrepreneurs in the country Tender Coconut Water among without adding any synthetic spread over different States have the health conscious people in the preservatives. The shelf life of procured the technology from the country and the propaganda on the product without losing its Board and established their units. the adverse impact on the flavour and quality remains for a The essential infrastructure, consumption of soft drinks which period of three months under machineries and equipments do not have any nutritional value ambient conditions and six required for setting up a unit with in terms of vitamins and minerals months under refrigerated a processing capacity of 5000- but have higher sugar content, conditions. 10.000 nuts are; (a) Built in-area higher acidity, and more of 3500 ft2, (b) Boiler (NIBR) additives such as preservatives The Coconut Development with 300-400 Kgs capacity per and colourings, necessitated the Board. Government of India, hour, (c) Steam Kettles with development of viable Kochi is responsible for the 1000 liter capacity (one) 500 lit

COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL. VOL. 18. No. 2. 2011 25 capacity (two), (d) Impulse high simultaneously remove major Winter Umweettechnik, frequency sealing machine portion of the husk manually or Germany and was first attempted (Double jar)-one, (e) Can sealing mechanically. The trimmed nuts in Indai by M/s Miracle Food machine in case of packing in are then immediately immersed Processors International Ltd, canes (one), (f) Plastic bottle in a mixture of solution Perinthal manna, Kerala in sealing machine (one), (g) containing citric acid and sodium 1996.The concentrate tender Coconut chopping and tew metabisulfite at 2000 ppm for 5- coconut water has a shelf life extraction unit (one) (h) Filling 10 minutes to prevent oxidation varying from 6-24 months machine (one) (i) SS Tables 6’ x as well to avoid spoilage depending upon the level of 4 ’ (four) (j) SS Trolleys (4) (k) whiteness of the remaining husk. concentration. Ten lit. of tender Sundries like knives, ss wire, Such nuts are then taken out from coconut water is required to waste baskets etc. , (1) Cold the solution and immediately make about 800g of concentrate. storages and Microbiology and wrapped with food grade cling The chilled, aerated and bottled Chemical lab. film for aesthetic and hygienic ready to drink tender coconut purpose. The product has shelf water beverage is also 4.5.2. Minimal Processing of life of 4 to 5 days in room manufactured by the firm from Tender Coconut temperature and 20 to 30 days in the concentrate and marketed controlled temperature of 10-12 through out the country. The development of Technology °C. The products can be for the preservation and marketed easily through Food packaging of tender coconut Chain Market, through hotels and 4.5.5. RRI. Technology for Up water was a breakthrough in serve afresh to IT Campus etc. It Gradation and Preservation Indian Coconut Industry. The can be transported bulk in plastic of Mature Coconut W ater marketing of tender coconut containers to retail outlets. water as natural drink for several The Regional Research occasions like; marriages, 4.5.3. Snow ball Tender Laboratory, Trivandrum, Kerala rituals, ceremonies, social Coconut Water developed a technology for gatherings, conferences, utilizing mature coconut water, seminars, symposia, exhibitions, The Central Plantation Crops’ otherwise wasted, as a beverage trade fairs etc. in the cities of Research Institute(CPCRI), drink under a sponsored program non producing states of Delhi, Kasaragodu, Kerala, India of the CDB. The process Chandighar, Indore, Mumbai etc. developed a Technology for the involves the collection of mature has become routine reality. production of Snow Ball Tender coconut water mainly from the However, its promotion in the Coconut Water packed in the copra processing centers, up traditional states particularly in unripe kernel for serving as a gradation to bring the product to hotels, hospitals and other service delicious food-cum-beverage, the level of tender coconut water sectors like IT centers has particularly in hotels during the by supplementation with become difficult on account of Tourists season. The Technology additives including sugar and consumers choice for natural is developed under the sponsored preserving it by a judicious packing. Due to the bulkiness program of the CDB. The Board combination of heat and the problems in the disposal has already promoted many units pasteurization and permitted of Tender coconut husks become in the state for the commercial chemicals. The drink can be major hurdles for its smooth manufacturing and sales of the carbonated and marketed as a marketing in these places. The snowball tender coconut water. beverage. Kerala Agricultural University, Trichur, developed a technology 4.5.4. German Technology for 4.5.6. Coconut Milk Beverages for the preservation of tender Concentration of Tender coconut in its natural packing Coconut Water The Coconut Development Board after partial removal of husk to has sponsored a project for the reduce its volume and size for Packing of concentrated tender development of coconut milk easy transporting and marketing coconut water by using the Spray base beverages, to Nadukkara in public places. Minimal Evaporation Technique (SET), is Agro Processing Company processed Tender coconuts are the another method popularized Ltd.(NAPCL) an ISO thus partially de-husked nut, in India to promote the 9002/HACCP certified company since husk constitutes major consumption of tender coconut involved in the production of portion of the volume of Tender water in public functions, hotels, concentrate of pineapple, mango coconut. The tender coconut marriage ceremonies and etc.in aseptically packed Bag-in­ bunches after harvests are railways. The Technology was drum, fruit candies from collected in a common place and developed and patented by pineapple, papaya, ginger etc and

26 COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL. 18, No. 2, 2011 cart has an insulated compartment, which acts as a Packed tender cooling chamber from where the coconut water chilled water comes from an outlet attached to the cooling chamber. The cart comes with an umbrella and a cup dispenser as additional features. Coconut water is served in chilled condition in disposable cups. The “Mobile Tender Coconut Water Dispenser” with its aesthetic look attracts customers and hence enhances the sales considerably. The sales surroundings are free of wastage in the surroundings.

4.6. Quality Standards on the Production of Coconut Water Beverages in India Ready to Serve(RTS) juice/necti (branded JIVE) based on trade of tender coconut water in a Even though sales of coconut pineapple and pineapple/mango hygienic manner and consumer water beverages has been tropical mix for retail in friendly ambient more practiced in India, it has not been 250ml/200 ml Tetra Brick convenient to customers to have brought under the purview of cartons promoted as natural a drink on the go. The Board had “Prevention of Adulteration Act” juice/nectar. The NAPCL has sponsored a project to M/S Coco as the trade has been done under since developed a health platform fresco, Hyderabad, a project for the unorganized sector by street with a mixture of Pineapple juice the development of a device for venders in its natural form. with coconut milk at the ratio of marketing ready to serve chilled However in recent years, the 20:20 coconut milk with tender coconut water aiming packed and preserved coconut pineapple juice -pinacolada. The mainly for promoting the tender water beverages in different coconut is extracted from the coconut water to International forms are being sold in the grated kernel and contains 6 per Airports and other important consumer markets. The CDB is cent fat. The drink is a rich public places. The device is made in the process of developing source of bromoline enzyme up of fiberglass with a storing standards for these products and which is responsible for the capacity up to 100 Tender imposing the quality standards digestion of food. Similarly it Coconuts. The top portion of the through Beurau of Indian contains carotinoid and other Standard (BIS), an Agency under antioxidants. The shelf life of the product is six months. The important machineries for the processing of Pinacolada are; can reforming unit, seaming machines, double jacket kettles, exhausting box, retorts in addition to the aseptic packaging: tetrapak & compiblock machines - in tetrapak packets are formed out of laminate rolls by transverse & longitudinal sealing. C oconut Developme"' Sterilization of packaging mt D evelopm ent material taken place inside the machine, product filling is done in a sterile atmosphere.

4.5.7. Mobile Tender Coconut Water Dispenser Mobile Vending Unit For Tender Coconut Water

COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL 18, No. 2, 2011 27 the Ministry of Food Processing, The Packaging (Regulation) logo of CDB and it would also Government of India. The draft Order, 1998, The Milk and Milk conduct training programmes on specifications for the Packed and Products Order, 1992 and any quality management systems like Preserved Tender coconut and other order issued under the GMP, HACCP, Food Safety and that of mature coconut water are Essential Commodities Act, 1955 Hygiene practices etc. for as follows. are the legal tools for Quality manufacturers venturing into Standards on the Production of coconut processing. The laboratory has already procured 4.6.1. Quality Parameters for Coconut Water Beverages in India the latest analytical instruments Tender Coconut and equipments for detection of Mature Coconut Water Parameters Water (Wight in adulterants, pesticide residue, (weight in g per 100 ml) g per 100 ml) afflatoxins, toxic metals etc. along with the basic facilities to a) Chemical carryout routine chemical and Total Solids 4.71 3.9-5.5 microbiological analysis for Reducing sugar 0.08 0.23-1.3 coconut food products. The lab Sucrose 1.28 will also work out to recommend quality standard and Other Sugars (as invert sugar) 0.98-3.15 specifications for the new Total Sugar 2.08 1.7-3.38 coconut products. Ash 0.62 0.5-0.84 4.7. The CDB in hunt of |P H 4.5 5.2 Generic Promotion of b) Pesticides Residue Coconut Products for Creating New Markets Organochlorine 0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm Organophosphate 0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm The unstable prices and other c) Microbiological Units Units market slips in the coconut sector have been adversely affecting the 5000/gm max 5000/gm max Total Plate Count(TPC) growth of the coconut industry in Yeast & mould 50/gm max 50/gm max the country due to the E.coli 10/gm 10/gm dependency on the copra and coconut oil price. The initiatives Coli forms Nil Nil taken in recent years by the Salmonella Nil Nil Board in the field of product Staphylococci 10 per g 10 perg diversifications and its market promotions have been resulted a 4.6.2. Food Additives Coconut Water Beverages in dynamic push and cushioning India. effect to the trade. The Food additive namely. Niacin is commercial introduction of permitted within the restrictions 4.6.4. National Centre for various new coconut products and use prescribed under Part Quality Testing of and by-products in the domestic XIX of food additives in food Coconut Products markets and their aggressive products under the PFA Act market promotions induced a 1955. The Coconut Development Board definite segment shift to has is in the process of setting up consumers’ product choices and 4.6.3. Imposing the Food a full fledged NABL accredited purchasing behaviour. The Indian Safety and Standards Quality Testing Laboratory for Coconut Market experienced a Act 2006 coconut at Technology paradigm shift from coconut oil Development Centre attached to centered market to diversified The Government of India and the the Head Quators of the Board products markets. Among the concerned State Governments are with the main objective of various steps taken by the Board, the rule-making authorities under providing quality testing facilities promotion of tender coconut as the Act and the Food Safety and for chemical and microbiological health drink has brought about Standard Authority of India is analysis in the coconut tangible results on account of the mandatory agency to make processing sector. The Board health benefit. The availability of regulations. The Prevention of would be acting as a nodal packed and preserved tender Food Adulteration Act, 1954, agency for certification of quality coconut water in the non The Fruit Products Order, 1955, of coconut products through a producing consuming centers

28 COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL 18, No. 2, 2011 Ar»»sh favours fender Coconut Water How about you? **l .rj «Ruh« put*»»» * oAarhriMatah'Kr-tmk» • So pi*MW^j CofilcirsWamntor Sgroip » WammC

Coconut Development Bootd Coconut Development Board

Promotional Advertisements on Tender Coconut enhanced the fresh demand for The Technology Mission on coconut tender coconut. the liquid tender coconut as a salubrious development is having the potential endosperm, is the most nutritious drink all over the country. The for effecting structural changes in wholesome natural beverages. TCW coconut and its products in the the coconut industry and for contains organic compounds domestic market have established a revolutionizing the programme of possessing growth-promoting strong link with the price- discovery. value addition and price discovery. properties and its consumption keeps The commodity touches upon every The interventions by the Coconut the body cool. It is an isotonic common man's life. A demand Development Board to put the beverage and functional food sector with inelastic behaviour has coconut sector onto the path of recommended as sport drinks, been experiencing in the market. sustainable growth and vibrant geriatric and pediatric drinks. It is a Thanks to the CDB's tireless efforts development have been making health platform which provides to place the coconut as a niche tangible results in improving the vitamins and minerals of natural product in every Indians’ food competitiveness of the Indian origin that absorb the body easily basket. The implementation of Coconut Industry and the economic and quickly. To promote the Technology' Mission on Coconut in well being of the small and marginal consumption of tender coconut and the country has become an impetus in farmers who are the backbone of other coconut-based beverages the addressing various impediments, Indian Coconut Economy. CDB has initiated various measures which stood against the sustainable including development of growth of coconut cultivation and 5. Conclusion technologies for preservations, industry’. The Technology Mission packaging of coconut water and milk on Coconut Development is a Coconut occupies an incredible based beverages and its commercial multidisciplinary tool for effecting place of significance in the Indian exploitation. The interventions by the sustainability of the coconut sector. Economy due to its dual nature of Coconut Development Board to put The accent of the Technology utility. The coconut and coconut the coconut sector onto the path of Mission is not only on improving products play an important role in sustainable growth and vibrant production technologies but also for uplifting the nutritional status along development have been making attaining a quantum leap in the areas with health protection of the people tangible results in improving the in India. Regular consumption of competitiveness of the Indian Coconut of value addition, post-harvest Industry and the economic well being processing and product coconut ensures the supply of minimum per capita daily of the small and marginal farmers who diversification. The Mission also are the backbone of Indian Coconut advocates introduction of requirement of optimum calories of Economy.______the low-income group of people agribusiness principles in the M. Thomas Mathew is Chief Coconut coconut sector, contract farming in particularly those who are staying Development Officer, Coconut coconut based farming systems etc. along the coastal India. The water of Development Board. Kochi.

COCOINFO INTERNATIONAL, VOL. 18, No. 2, 2011 29