Project report for Desiccated Coconut Powder

There is a growing consumer demand for desiccated coconut powder could be developed in the country by resorting to organized market promotion activities for the popularization of the product in consumer packs for household uses. Desiccated coconut powder in consumer packs is acceptable not only in non-coconut producing states but also in traditional coconut growing states such as Kerala. Desiccated coconut is rich in healthy saturated fats with no cholesterol and is also a good source of dietary fiber. Lauric acid, the medium chain fatty acid from the fat of the coconut, is having antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal properties.Desiccated coconut is fresh coconut that has been shredded or flaked and dried. It finds extensive use in confectioneries, puddings and many other food preparations as a substitute to raw grated coconut. It is a simple and well-established process. Fully grown and matured coconuts of around 1 year are stored with husk for about a month to facilitate absorption of water and separation of coconut kernels from shell walls. De-shelled coconuts are broken into pieces, washed and disintegrated in powder form. This powder is then dried in tray drier at about 80 -90°C and powder is stirred occasionally to ensure uniform drying. On cooling, it is passed through vibratory screen with different mesh sizes to segregate the powder according to mesh size. It is packed in moisture and oilproof polythene-lined plywood boxes. The product should be natural white in color. It shall have characteristic taste, odor and flavor.

Export analysis shows that there are almost 96 countries and territories, which actively import Desiccated Coconut from India. The value of total export is INR 2312 Crores. The Asia Pacific market accounted for the largest revenue share in the global desiccated coconut powder market in the last decade and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period, with growing production of high-quality desiccated coconut powder in the region. India holds position of the largest global manufacturer of desiccated coconut powder. India also is expected to become a leading exporter of desiccated coconut powder, contributing to growth of the market in the region in the near future. Desiccated coconut is gaining more export value nowadays.

Development of the baking industry due to change in lifestyle & food habit of consumers has driven the growth of the desiccated coconut powder market. Moreover, it is easily available in the market through retail stores, online, supermarkets, which has fueled the market growth. However, the supply of coconut is expected to be uncertain in future due to adverse climatic changes, which is likely to hamper the growth of the desiccated coconut powder market in the upcoming years. Increasing disposable income and shifting preference toward organic products that are low in cholesterol and rich in vitamins and minerals are also boosting demand for desiccated coconut powder. The adverse effects of climate in different regions where coconuts are grown and availability of fresh coconut as substitutes for desiccated coconut powder are restraining growth of the global desiccated coconut powder market. Rising demand for ready-to-eat roasted coconut chips and coconut water are also projected to hinder market growth over the forecast period.