BARBADOS' SMALL COCONUT INDUSTRY has been challenged to increase the list of products on offer and to improve its health profile.

Food scientist Dr Rosa Rolle, who works with the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, said yesterday the way forward for the industry should involve incorporating the best health practices and a longer list of by-products.

For a start, coconut water sellers should look at packaging their jelly or incorporating it in the water, to maximise earnings, she suggested.

They also need to consider making their product more attractive to youths, on one hand, and on the other supplying the liquor market with chasers.

Rolle made the suggestions while addressing a two-day workshop at the Accra Beach Hotel & Resort, Rockley, Christ Church on improving coconut water processing.

She pointed out that coconut water production was big business internationally, but had to be conducted in a clean and safe environment, from harvesting of the fruit to the bottling of the water.

She noted a number of things which other countries were doing, such as making jam and pie from coconuts, and suggested Barbadians consider them as they seek to "broaden market opportunities".

For the entire industry to progress though, Barbadians had to look at issues such as what were the best varieties and the replacement of old trees, the Dominican-born scientist said.

She warned that persons seeking to rake in big bucks from what in some parts of the world was called "the tree of life" needed to consider cultural tastes.

What worked in the Philippines – where one got jelly, sugar and even plain water in a bottle of coconut water – might not necessarily be liked in the Caribbean, she pointed out.

Spokesman for the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), Robert Maloney, said the organisation was moving to organise coconut vendors.

"We are seeking as much information as possible on trends in the industry overseas, practices and regulations to be in a position to advise coconut vendors and represent them," he said. (TY)