This report presents information on the production levels and producers of coconut products in PNG, and examines the economic and technical feasibility of expanding exports. It finds PNG’s coconut production base of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is currently under-utilised, and suggests shifting away from more traditional products like copra and into high-value, high quality virgin coconut oil (VCO) and VCO-derived products. Currently, PNG exports very little of these, and they could be marketed as PNG and/or Pacific origin products to specialty retailers and/or through online sales in the health/wellness/cosmetic sectors in Australia, the U.S., Europe and Japan, and to a lesser extent New Zealand. To succeed, HACCP accreditation is necessary, organic certification is preferable and packaging and labelling must be to an international standard. SME coconut processors should focus on quality improvements and establishing business networks with identified importers, supported by a peak industry body like Konkanas Indastri Koporesen.

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