As consumers become increasingly aware of potential health benefits and seek out plant-based alternatives to dairy, coconut milk and cream products from New Zealand have seen tremendous growth in popularity both domestically and overseas in recent years. New Zealand Coconut Milk and Cream has emerged as a major economic success story, with exports increasing over 300% in the past decade alone. Several factors have contributed to this surge in demand.
Coconut milk and cream are praised for their high nutritional value as a plant milk alternative. They are naturally cholesterol-free, lower in calories than dairy milk, and contain important vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Coconuts grow abundantly in tropical regions, and New Zealand's warm climate makes it ideal for coconut cultivation and processing. With its clean, green reputation, New Zealand Coconut Milk and Cream is seen as a trusted source for high quality coconut products.
Rising Exports And An Expanding Domestic
New Zealand now exports coconut milk and cream to over 30 countries worldwide. The United States and United Kingdom are the largest export s, followed by Australia and several European nations. Exports to the U.S. alone have grown by more than 500% in five years. Domestically, coconut milk and cream can now be found on menus and shelves across New Zealand as more Kiwis incorporate these products into their diets and recipes. Major supers stock various brands of carton coconut milk alongside dairy milk. Specialty coconut items such as flavored creams are also gaining popularity.
Coconut Plantations Flourish In Warm Northern Regions
Most of New Zealand's coconuts are grown in Northland, the northernmost region of the North Island. Its warm, sub-tropical climate is perfect for coconut cultivation. The majority are grown organically on small to medium family-run plantations. New plantations are continually being established to keep up with rising global demand. Most coconuts are of the tall variety, known for their thick, creamy milk. Harvesting is done throughout the year, with peak seasons in summer and autumn. Robust harvesting and processing techniques ensure high yields of quality coconut product.
From Farms To Factory - Efficient Processing Methods
Once harvested, coconuts are transported to one of several state-of-the-art coconut milk and cream processing facilities located in Northland. Here, the coconut meat is separated from the shell and grated. The fresh coconut is then finely blended with purified water using advanced blending equipment imported from Europe and Asia. The resulting liquid is filtered to remove fiber and coconut solids, producing a smooth, creamy coconut milk. For cream, a portion of the coconut milk goes through a further separation and churning process to obtain the richer coconut cream. Both coconut milk and cream products are then pasteurized, packaged and chilled ready for distribution. Quality control measures ensure products meet the highest food safety and processing standards.
Innovative Product Diversification And Packaging
Leading coconut brands offer a range of innovative coconut milk and cream items to satisfy consumer tastes and drive further expansion. This includes barista style creamers perfect for coffee drinks, single serve cartons for on-the-go consumption, and cream in convenient squeeze bottles. Flavored varieties such as vanilla, chocolate and caramel have proven popular. Coconut products can now be found packaged in cartons, bottles, cans and aseptic boxes with extended shelf lives of 9 months or more. Some brands produce coconut yoghurt and ice cream as well. This diverse product portfolio appeals to a broad cross-section of the health conscious population.
Sustainable Coconut Farming Helps Protect The Environment
With coconut demand on the rise, sustainability has become a priority. Low impact organic farming methods utilized in New Zealand coconut cultivation help preserve soil quality, protect biodiversity and reduce chemical usage. Plantations are intercropped with other crops to diversify ecosystems. Farmers employ enviromentally-friendly harvesting by hand rather than machine. At processing facilities, measures are taken to conserve water and energy resources. Coconut byproducts are used for coconut shell biofuel or cattle feed rather than being treated as waste. Through sustainable practices, the coconut contributes positively to New Zealand's '100% Pure' clean, green image.
Outlook: Growth Opportunities Domestically And Globally
As consumers gravitate towards natural, plant-based options, coconut milk and cream from New Zealand are well positioned for continued expansion at home and abroad. Official forecasts predict over 15% average annual growth in both domestic coconut milk sales and export volumes in the next 5 years, driven by ongoing popularity gains and new product innovation. The robust success of New Zealand Coconut Milk and Cream demonstrates the global appeal of high quality coconut products from a country with a pristine environment and gold standard food safety practices. With thriving coconut cultivation and streamlined processing capacity, the is primed to capitalize on further opportunities that will emerge in both developed and emerging coconut consumer s worldwide.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it