One of the solutions is to invest in the full utilization of coconut, creating new sustainable products and reducing raw material waste
São Paulo, June 2024 – The global coconut market is facing a highly concerning scenario. This is because Asian countries such as the Philippines, India, and Indonesia have been experiencing an unprecedented crisis in fruit production, driven by factors ranging from climate change, with prolonged droughts and more intense storms, to the emergence of pests and diseases such as lethal yellowing, capable of reducing and even devastating entire plantations.
In addition, socioeconomic issues, such as limited access to modern agricultural technologies and the low investment capacity of producers, have also contributed to worsening the situation. All of this is happening amid growing global demand, as coconut is a highly versatile product widely used in food, cosmetics, and nutraceutical applications.
“The cosmetics industry highly values coconut oil, for example, as it offers several sensory benefits, provides a subtle shine, and has a medium absorption and spreadability profile, with excellent glide and film-forming properties,” says Bruna Merigiolli, Specialist at Concepta Ingredients, a business unit of Grupo Sabará responsible for Research and Development. “In the food sector, coconut is used from fresh consumption to coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water, shredded coconut, and coconut flour in both sweet and savory recipes,” she adds.
Brazil as an alternative
Amid the scenario caused by the crisis in Asian countries, it is essential for producers to seek alternatives, such as diversifying supply sources, developing resilient varieties, and implementing more sustainable agricultural practices, including reducing monocultures.
“We must also emphasize that the full utilization of the fruit is a tool capable of creating economic opportunities by generating additional revenue from by-products such as coconut oil,” says Giulia Paciello, ESG Analyst at Grupo Sabará. She notes that this practice aligns with the zero-waste concept, which aims to mitigate the amount of waste generated during the production process. “Instead of being discarded, the remaining components of the fruit are converted into value-added by-products, maximizing the use of natural resources and reducing waste generation.”
The specialist highlights that Brazil offers crucial alternatives for the global coconut market, as, in addition to encouraging new technologies and strengthening the local economy, these solutions also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with long-distance transportation.
An example of this is Concepta Ingredients’ coconut oil. The product originates from responsible domestic production, which not only adds value to the Brazilian market and avoids GHG emissions linked to import routes, but also ensures the full utilization of the fruit — in other words, implementing a production model with no waste generation.
“Among the highlights of this sustainable production is the conservation of approximately 10,000 hectares of native forests, which contributes to carbon sequestration and storage and, consequently, to maintaining the regional microclimate. This initiative also promotes the use of high-productivity practices and techniques that consider local biodiversity, optimize the use of natural resources, and minimize environmental changes, with low energy and water consumption,” concludes Giulia.
About Concepta Ingredients
Concepta Ingredients is part of Grupo Sabará and specializes in natural and technological solutions developed under the Bio Abundance Program. Through innovation- and research-driven work, the company offers organic and conventional ingredients, supported by the training of families and the indirect conservation of areas across different Brazilian biomes. Its extensive portfolio includes technological inputs from international partners and biodiversity-derived ingredients to meet the most specific demands of the industries it serves.
About Grupo Sabará
Grupo Sabará, with more than 67 years of history, is genuinely Brazilian and recognized for its capacity for innovation and adaptation. For three generations, the Group has overcome challenges and stood out in its markets. Its commitment to the well-being of people around the world goes beyond offering innovative products and services. Its activities take future generations into account, focusing on solutions that ensure sustainability. Through its various business units, Grupo Sabará operates throughout Brazil and has a presence in countries across South America, North America, and Europe. It specializes in the development of high-performance technologies, solutions, and raw materials aimed at water treatment for sanitation and industry, animal nutrition and health, and the food and beverage industries. The development of its products relies on 100% national knowledge and technology, contributing to Brazil becoming a reference in product research for a more sustainable world.
