Coconut products exporters to tap EU via plant fair in Germany

The coconut products sector aims to explore prospects for exports to Europe via the International Plant Messe (IPM) Essen in Germany early next year.

The Coconut Development Authority (CDA) will facilitate the participation of Sri Lanka’s coconut-based exporters or manufacturers at the popular trade fair, which will be held from 25-28 January.

Following a one-year break from physical participation at trade fairs, the CDA has decided to take part in IPM Essen, one of the world’s leading horticultural trade fairs, which revolves around solutions and innovations in the green sector.

Post-pandemic the CDA has stepped up its efforts to create opportunities for the exporters and manufacturers to meet with global experts, investors, learn about the latest industry trends and explore commercial partnerships, whilst gaining tech know-how which offers vital support for them to expand their businesses in the international market.

It will part-sponsor firms keen to participate at IPM Essen 2022 and provide space in the CDA stall to exhibit and promote their products. However, the interested firms should be registered with CDA as exporters or manufacturers for this year. The airfare, part of stall construction cost and other expenses, should be borne by the participants as well.

Interested exporters and manufacturers must also have suitable exhibits, exportable and high-quality products made in Sri Lanka. The CDA said branded and innovative products will have an advantage over other applicants to be eligible for the criteria. 

According to the Export Development Board (EDB), the first nine-month earnings from coconut and coconut-based products grew by 24.14% to $ 608.76 million from the same period last year. Earnings from all the major categories of coconut-based products increased from January-September due to the improved performance in the export of liquid coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut milk powder, coco peat, mattress fibre pith and moulded products, activated carbon, coconut oil and desiccated coconut.

The year-on-year export earnings from desiccated coconut, coconut milk powder and coconut cream categorised under the coconut kernel products increased by 9.22%, 10.53% and 29.11%, respectively, in September 2021. However, earnings from the export of coconut oil and liquid coconut milk decreased by 31.47% and 13.04%, respectively, in September 2021.

As the largest contributor to the coconut-based sector, coco peat, fibre pith and moulded products, which are categorised under coconut fibre pith and moulded products, increased by 26.73% to $ 14.08 million in September compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. Earnings from activated carbon, which is categorised under the coconut shell products increased by 28.6% in September compared to the same period in 2020.

CDA believes IPM Essen will provide a myriad of opportunities for exporters and manufacturers to meet exhibitors from across the world and develop profitable business relationships.