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MANILA – Coconut water exports grew by threefold in the first three months of this year, state-run Philippine Coconut Authority said.
In a statement, Euclides Forbes, PCA administrator, said coco water exports surged by 300 percent to 4.5 million liters in the January to March period from 1.12 million liters in the same period last year.
Exports value also jumped by 260.5 percent to $4.78 million from $1.32 million in 2011.
US purchases accounted for the bulk of shipments at 3.724 million liters, a 367.37 percent jump from 796,887 liters last year. Export value likewise increased 427 percent to $3.9 million from $748,076 last year.
Besides the US market, shipments to other destinations likewise enjoyed a surge, with exports to Netherlands jumping 493 percent from 32,000 liters in 2011 to 189,800 liters worth $208,602 this year.
Shipments to Australia also jumped from 362.55 liters to 65,219.00 liters.
Forbes is confident that this year’s coco water exports will exceed last year, considering that international demand for coco water continues to rise as more people turn health conscious.
Coco water is rich in potassium and magnesium, and contains vitamine B, such as thiamine, which strengthens muscles, delays fatigue and maintains normal heart function.
It is a good source of electrolytes and glucose and has been found suitable for intravenous rehydration.
Given strong demand, Forbes said there is a need to plant more coconut trees.
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