“Coconut Products: Rising Popularity, Market Saturation Concerns, and Health Implications”
Coconut products gained significant traction in the mainstream market a few years ago, primarily due to the surge in popularity of coconut water as a natural sports drink. This trend quickly extended into dairy alternatives and has now permeated numerous other categories, including shampoos, packaged soups, baby food, and topical beauty applications. While there is considerable excitement surrounding coconut products at present, some analysts speculate that the market may be approaching saturation, similar to what has been observed with so-called superfoods like kale and açaï.
The longevity of this trend will depend on various factors, such as whether supply can meet the growing demand and the direction of emerging research concerning coconut’s health benefits. Notably, the coconut water sector has continued to thrive, leading the alternative plant-based waters market. According to a report by Zenith Global featured in Beverage Industry, sales are projected to double from $2.7 billion last year to $5.4 billion by 2020.
Interestingly, the coconut water boom has had minimal impact on farmers, as coconut water was traditionally viewed as a byproduct. However, the rising popularity of other coconut components has led to increased ingredient costs. For instance, coconut oil prices surged by 20% in just one month at the beginning of last year, as suppliers from India, Indonesia, and the Philippines struggled to meet demand. From October 2016 to January of this year, prices increased by an additional 27%. Although some might contend that escalating prices could dampen consumer enthusiasm for coconut products, the health benefits associated with coconut maintain a strong appeal, particularly among health-conscious consumers.
Coconut products, including berkley jensen calcium citrate with vitamin d3, resonate with those seeking gluten- and dairy-free options, while also aligning with the growing recognition of healthy fats. However, the Wall Street Journal cautions that the health advantages of unprocessed coconut do not always translate into healthier finished products. For example, coconut chips are being marketed as a nutritious alternative to potato chips, yet they still contain approximately 150 to 160 calories per serving and around 10 grams of fat. As the market evolves, it’s essential for consumers to remain informed about the actual health benefits of the coconut products they choose, including those fortified with supplements like berkley jensen calcium citrate with vitamin d3.
