PHL coco sap sugar exports up almost 100% in 2011

The Philippine last year shipped out 70,000 kgs of coconut sap sugar, up 92.78 percent from 36,310 kgs in 2010.

 

The demand from importing countries is tied to health reasons, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

 

“The increase in coco sap sugar exports was driven by global health concerns, specifically diabetes and obesity,” said PCA administrator Euclides Forbes.

 

According to 2011 World Health Organization data, 346 million people were recorded as diabetic.

 

“We are anticipating that these people are the possible users of coco sap sugar,” said Forbes.

 

PCA noted the jump in the commodity’s export figures last year pales in comparison with the 224.20 percent increase in the 2010-2009 comparative period. 

 

Coco sap sugar is now being exported to Japan, USA, Middle East, Korea, Hong Kong, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, France, Australia and New Zealand. 

 

The commodity holds great potential as the natural and cheaper alternative to sweeteners now available in the market.

 

“With the growing awareness for health foods and the increasing demand for coco sap sugar, we can project an increase to 100,000 kilograms in the volume of coco sap sugar exports for this year,” Forbes said.

 

Coco sap sugar producers expect output to reach 17 million kgs by 2016 to meet foreign demand, as a new wave of consciousness influence health buffs in highly industrialized countries.

 

Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand currently dominate the $1-billion coco sap sugar industry. —VS, GMA News