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Coconut Facts

The Humble Coconut

We start by considering some basic coconut facts. Coconuts are a brown, spherical fruit that grow on large palm trees. The outside of a coconut is covered in a tough, fibrous husk that is green when the coconut is immature and brown when it is mature. Underneath the husk is a hard, brown shell that protects the white meat and water inside the coconut. The white meat, which is also called the coconut meat, is a creamy, white substance that is edible both raw and cooked. The coconut water, which is contained in the center of the coconut, is a clear liquid that is often used in juices, smoothies, and other drinks. In addition to the meat and water, coconuts also contain two other edible parts, the coconut milk and the coconut oil. Coconut milk is a thick, creamy liquid that is made from the grated white meat of the coconut, while coconut oil is made from the pressed coconut meat. Coconuts are a versatile fruit, as they can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or used in a variety of recipes.

Photo collage of coconuts and coconut palms

Major Coconut Producing Countries

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a versatile tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is highly valued for its edible nuts, nutritious water, and oil, which have a wide range of culinary and industrial applications. The major coconut-producing countries are concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Southeast Asia. Indonesia stands as the world’s leading producer of coconuts, accounting for approximately 30% of global production. The Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka also rank among the top five producers, together contributing over half of the world’s coconut supply. Other notable coconut-producing countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic. In addition to these major producers, there are numerous smaller coconut-growing countries located in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, further contributing to the global coconut market.

World map showing the major coconut producing countries

Coconut Anatomy

As part of our coconut facts, we also consider the anatomy of a coconut. A coconut, known scientifically as Cocos nucifera, is a remarkable fruit recognised for its distinct structure and versatile uses. The main parts of a coconut include the fibrous layer known as the mesocarp, and the hard shell or endocarp that encases the seed. The mesocarp is made up of coir, a fibrous husk that serves a protective function and can be used in various products like ropes, mats, and brushes. Once the husk is removed, one encounters the hard, woody endocarp that holds the seed and is typically characterised by its three “eyes” or germination pores, which are vulnerable points that allow for sprouting. Inside the endocarp lies the endosperm which has two elements: the coconut meat, or copra, which is rich in oil and provides a creamy texture, and the coconut water, a refreshing liquid that is often enjoyed as a beverage. The coconut meat is white and fibrous, providing a versatile ingredient in various culinary applications, while the coconut water is sought after for its hydrating properties, and is packed with electrolytes. Together, these components of a coconut demonstrate its unique adaptability and relevance across culinary, cosmetic, and household applications.

Diagram showing the major parts and anatomy of a coconut

Coconut Product Processes

A summary of coconut facts would be incomplete without considering the processes involved. Coconut product processing is a multifaceted industry that transforms the versatile coconut fruit into a wide array of added value products, each catering to diverse markets and consumer needs. Once the mature coconuts are harvested, they undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove dirt and debris, followed by various methods of de-husking to remove the outer husk.

The next step in processing involves the extraction of the coconut water, known for its hydrating qualities and electrolyte content. This single-strength coconut water is pasteurised and UHT-treated as beverage or it can be processed further by evaporation into Concentrated Coconut Water.

After water extraction, the coconut meat is separated from the hard shell, and this fresh coconut meat can be processed further. One common method is to dry the coconut meat to produce Copra as a raw material, which is then expeller-pressed to extract Crude Coconut Oil. This processing route then uses various fractionation techniques to produce the finished products RBD Oil, MCT Oil and ultimately MCT Powder.

Fresh undried coconut meat can be grated, shredded, and dried into Desiccated Coconut for use in baking and cooking, or further processed by expelling to produce Virgin Coconut Oil. Alternatively, the grating and expelling of the undried coconut meat yields finished products such as Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream, and even Coconut Milk Powder.

The by-products from coconut processing, such as husks, are often repurposed into eco-friendly coir fibres for use in mats, ropes, and biodegradable products. Coconut Shells are usually consumed as fuel to heat plant boilers or further processed into Coconut Charcoal and then Activated Carbon for use in purification and filtering technology, while Parings are subject to expelling to produce Paring Oil as a low-cost cooking oil.

Diagram showing the main coconut product processes
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Coconut Production By Continent

Coconuts grow in four of the worlds continents , with over 85% of the annual total grown in Asia:

  1. Asia – 53,049,000 MT
  2. Americas – 5,082,000 MT
  3. Oceania – 2,306,000 MT
  4. Africa – 1,972,000 MT
World map showing coconut production by continent

Top Five Coconut Producing Countries

The top five coconut producing countries in annual output are in order:

  1. Indonesia – 17,200,000 MT
  2. Philippines – 14,900,000 MT
  3. India – 13,300,000 MT
  4. Brazil – 2,700,000 MT
  5. Sri Lanka – 2,200,000 MT
World map showing top 5 coconut producing countries

Top Ten Coconut Producing Countries

In the top ten list of coconut producing countries, the ‘big three’ of Indonesia, Philippines and India dominate annual output, with the rest some distance behind:

  1. Indonesia – 17,200,000 MT
  2. Philippines – 14,900,000 MT
  3. India – 13,300,000 MT
  4. Brazil – 2,700,000 MT
  5. Sri Lanka – 2,200,000 MT
  6. Vietnam – 1,900,000 MT
  7. Papua New Guinea – 1,300,000 MT
  8. Myanmar – 1,200,000 MT
  9. Mexico – 1,100,000 MT
  10. Thailand – 700,000 MT
Chart showing top ten coconut producing countries

Top Ten Coconut Oil Producing Countries

As with coconut production, the Philippines and Indonesia dominate the list of top coconut oil producing countries annually:

  1. Philippines – 1,193,000 MT
  2. Indonesia – 895,000 MT
  3. India – 352,000 MT
  4. Vietnam – 179,000 MT
  5. Mexico – 130,000 MT
  6. Sri Lanka – 65,000 MT
  7. Malaysia – 47,000 MT
  8. Mozambique – 31,000 MT
  9. Thailand – 30,000 MT
  10. Bangladesh – 23,000 MT
Chart showing top ten coconut oil producing countries