Overview
Vietnam's coconut production is about 1.6 million tonnes a year, making it one of Southeast Asia's leading producing areas. Coconut is a versatile crop used in many ways—food (coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water), cosmetic ingredients, and industrial fiber. Riding the recent global boom in coconut products, its export value has surged.
Growing regions and areas
Ben Tre province is called Vietnam's coconut capital and accounts for about 40% of the national cultivated area. Ben Tre province, known as the "home of coconut," has about 70,000 hectares of coconut groves spread across it. Tra Vinh province、Tien Giang province are also important coconut-growing areas in the Mekong Delta.
Cultivation methods and harvest season
Coconuts can be harvested year-round and first fruit 5–6 years after planting. A single coconut tree yields 50–100 fruits a year. The main varieties are dua ta (dwarf type) and dua xoan (tall type). In recent years, the acquisition of organic certification and shipments of young coconuts have been expanding.
Exports and market trends
Vietnam's coconut-related products have annual export value of about US$1 billion. Coconut oil, activated carbon, and coconut milk are the main export products, and the EU, the US, and China are the main markets. Many coconut-processing plants cluster in Ben Tre province, where the value chain is advancing.
Connections with Japan
In Japan, imports of coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut water are increasing. Their recognition as health foods is rising, and their availability in supermarkets and convenience stores is expanding. Vietnamese coconut products have an excellent balance of quality and price and are increasing their share in the Japanese market.
