Tuesday, August 21, 2012

MONEY FOR ALL: INTERNATIONAL COCONUT TRADE


Imagine if you only were able to get fresh bananas whenever you traveled to a tropical country. Sometimes it’s like that with fresh coconut.  Imagine if mangoes were sold at $20 a pop.  Sometimes it’s like that with fresh coconut. 
A recent article in the Fiji Times Online documented how the production of coconut oil lifted up the economic circumstances of 50 women in 1 village. Link:  Virgin Coconut Oil Supports Villagers.

MANUFACTURING WITH COCONUT

Nearly all Americans use cooking oil, skin care products, hair moisturizers, soap and dermatological pharmaceuticals.  Coconut oil can be used to manufacture all of these products and more.
Coconut products remain virtually an untapped market for trade between Americans and people living in tropical latitudes.
This is a lot of money virtually frozen and not flowing between the United States and small but numerous tropical countries, especially islands in the Pacific. Hundreds of millions of people live on tropical islands throughout the world.
The picture is changing.

INCREASED TRADE WITH COCONUT PRODUCTS

Less than 3 years ago there was only 1 brand of coconut water on my grocery store’s shelves.  Now, a   half dozen or more brands are available.  And coconut water is sold at stores on every major street intersection in Chicago.  This has especially benefited the economy of Brazil.
Every country’s economy deserves a chance at getting a piece of the American pie.  More trade with people living in tropical latitudes could help the economies of everybody involved.
Trade in coconut products is in ALL of our economic interests.


Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

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