In a bid to capitalize on high-value area of interest markets, stakeholders within the native coconut trade are urged to broaden their scope past conventional avenues.
Tristan Alvarez, Deputy Programme Supervisor on the Caribbean Agricultural Analysis and Improvement Institute (CARDI), highlighted the untapped potential throughout a latest interview with JIS Information.
Past conventional commodities
Alvarez emphasised that whereas coconut water, oil, and desiccated coconut stay focal factors, there exist profitable alternatives in value-added manufacturing.
He underscored the potential within the beauty trade, citing the demand for merchandise like activated coconut charcoal, together with using tree trunk, husk, and shell.
Seizing environmental traits
Highlighting environmental considerations, Alvarez pointed to the burgeoning demand for biodegradable supplies.
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With the European Union’s shift away from single-use plastics and comparable insurance policies adopted regionally, there’s a ripe alternative to repurpose coconut and agricultural waste for retail and meals markets.
Overcoming start-up hurdles
Addressing frequent challenges, Alvarez acknowledged that start-up prices typically deter agro-processors from exploring area of interest markets.
Nonetheless, he urged stakeholders to understand these prices as long-term investments with substantial returns.
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Emphasizing the necessity for innovation, Alvarez confused the significance of diversifying product ranges to cater to varied sectors.
Pioneering creativity and innovation
Alvarez advocated for a paradigm shift in method, urging trade gamers to embrace creativity and innovation.
He highlighted the importance of harnessing know-how to scale operations, citing present area of interest gamers who’ve efficiently carried out inventive options.
Alvarez emphasised the need of constructing capability and integrating applied sciences to appreciate broader trade potential.
