Introduction
The coconut industry shows no signs of slowing down. According to a report by Grand View Research, a market research and consulting company based in the U.S.A and India, the global coconut products market size is “expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2023 to 2030.”
As further explained by this report, one factor that pushes the demand for coconut products, such as grated coconut flakes, is consumers' growing awareness regarding this fruit's health benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has prompted people to be more mindful of their food. This is said to have increased the demand for coconut products worldwide.
Unfortunately, the environmental impact of coconut farming and production stemming from unsustainable practices, such as monocropping, is one of the issues surrounding the coconut industry. The thing is, with the rising demand comes the need to produce more crops.
As such, sustainability in coconut farming is more paramount than ever. This is especially because the ethical sourcing and responsible processing of coconuts ultimately benefit the environment, farmers, and consumers.
Red V Foods is a leading producer of grated coconut flakes, among other coconut products, in the U.S. Read this article to learn more about why grated coconut flakes are used by numerous consumers globally. This post will also discuss our efforts to practice sustainable farming and production methods.
The Rise of Grated Coconut Flakes
Grated coconut flakes are one of the many products that can be produced out of coconut meat. It has become a popular ingredient used by many cooks and bakers due to the following reasons:
Various Health Benefits
If you’re using grated coconut flakes in your cooking, then good news! Coconut is famous for its multiple health benefits, whether as an ingredient in food or personal and skincare products.
They contain minerals such as manganese, which is necessary for bone health. They’re also rich in copper and iron, which make them great for red blood cell formation. Coconut meat even possesses antioxidants, such as gallic and caffeic acid, which help protect cells.
Adds Flavor and Texture
Adding grated coconut flakes to savory dishes can take any recipe to the next level. You can try crispy baked coconut onion rings or fried coconut chicken tenders if you’re feeling adventurous. All these recipes have shredded coconut, so you can expect a tropical twist from the first bite.
Of course, grated coconut flakes also pair well with various baked goods, from cakes to cookies. It gives a nutty flavor to pastries and provides another layer of texture with its crunchy quality. You can use them as toppings in upside-down coconut pineapple cake or incorporate them in banana bread batter or chocolate chip cookie dough.
Highly Versatile
The versatility of grated coconut flakes is another reason it has become a staple ingredient in many consumers’ kitchens. You can use them in almost any recipe, whether as decoration for desserts and drinks or as breading for fried foods.
In addition, you can use them to make non-food products. If you like creating your own soap from scratch, dry shredded coconut makes a great exfoliant combined with coconut milk soap.
Opportunity To Make a Difference
As consumers, our choices have a considerable impact on the environment. Thus, the next time you buy grated coconut flakes, consider purchasing from brands that support sustainable coconut farming practices.
When you choose coconut suppliers who practice environment-friendly initiatives in creating their products, you contribute to the betterment of Mother Earth and society. Doing so makes it possible for these suppliers to continue providing buyers with coconut products that are ethically sourced.
Find a Supplier That Supports Sustainability
To understand the importance of finding a grated coconut flakes supplier that supports sustainability, you need to know the harmful effects of unsustainable coconut farming practices.
As mentioned earlier, many farmers engage in monocropping, which involves planting the same type of crop on the same field year after year to earn larger profits. This results in the depletion of nutrients in the soil. In doing so, farmers have no choice but to use chemical fertilizers, which damage the environment.
And while still a debated topic, it has been said that coconut production damages biodiversity, affecting more species than other oil crops per volume of oil produced. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, as cited by Eco-Business, “coconut threatens some 20.2 species per million metric tons of oil produced.”
Imagine the longstanding effects of unsustainable farming practices with the expected rise of the demand for coconut products in the coming years. The good news is that some coconut manufacturers recognize this and are taking steps to employ environment-friendly initiatives in the industry, such as agroforestry and intercropping.
Red V Foods: Supporting Sustainable Coconut Farming Practices
Among these coconut manufacturers is Red V Foods, a trusted supplier of premium coconut products to consumers and retailers in the U.S. As a firm believer in supporting sustainable coconut farming practices, our company strongly advocates environmental stewardship and natural ecosystem preservation. In fact, the manufacturing operations of our parent company, Axelum, do not pose any significant risks to the environment, nor do they pose any threats to biodiversity.
As part of our sustainability efforts, we have been shifting to cleaner energy sources to reduce carbon emissions contributing to global warming. We have managed to decrease the diesel consumption of our generators by 14%. Additionally, the company replaced over 4,000 traditional light sources with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which are more environmentally friendly.
Other highlights of our sustainability initiatives include reducing manufacturing greenhouse emission gasses by 21% in 2021, paying farmers above-market pricing for coconuts, and being globally recognized by the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards in 2020.
For more information about what Axelum and Red V Foods have accomplished in their desire to become sustainable coconut suppliers, you can read this Sustainability Report.
Conclusion
As the need to produce more coconut products in the coming years increases, sustainability in farming and production should be all the more prioritized.
When coconut suppliers value ethical sourcing and production, many aspects of society are benefited. Farmers earn better wages, and their safety isn’t compromised. Our natural environment is also preserved, enabling it to continue providing us with food and resources.
Consumers also have a huge part in this matter. Our responsibility is to heighten our awareness of sustainable farming methods and the companies that practice them.
If you’re looking for a grated coconut flakes supplier that values its workers and the environment, Red V Foods is here! We offer a variety of grated coconut products that are certified organic and produced through sustainable practices. Contact us today!
