Introduction – Sri Lanka’s Coconut Market: A Quantitative Overview
When you think of coconuts, lush tropical landscapes come to mind—and Sri Lanka is one such paradise. But beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, this island nation is a powerhouse in the global coconut industry. In fact, Sri Lanka ranks as the fourth-largest coconut producer in the world, having churned out approximately 2.7 million metric tons of coconuts in 2022. That’s a solid slice of the 62.4 million metric tons produced globally.
In terms of exports, Sri Lanka is no lightweight either. In 2023, it shipped out over 69 million kilograms of fresh or dried coconuts, generating $90.89 million in revenue. Top destinations? The UAE, India, USA, Iraq, and Pakistan. But it’s not just about volume—it’s about value and strategy. With changing global demand and climate challenges, businesses looking to source coconut products must adopt a data-driven, performance-based approach to supplier selection.
Platforms like Freshdi have become essential tools, helping buyers analyze supplier performance, track RFQ activity (Request For Quote), and stay ahead of market shifts.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break it down further. The coconut industry in Sri Lanka is a blend of resilience and recovery. Yes, production took a hit—dropping from 3 billion coconuts to about 2.85 billion annually—but the government is pushing back with plans to plant 2.5 million coconut trees in 2025.
Production & Export Numbers (2023–2025)
- Coconut Production: Fell sharply by 33.1% in Dec 2024 and 32.3% in Jan 2025.
- Copra Production: Steady at 70,000 metric tons.
- Desiccated Coconut Exports: Q1 2024 saw 41,854 metric tons, up 20.8% YoY.
- Coconut Oil Exports: Hit $65.9 million in 2023; part of a broader target of $1.7 billion for 2025.
- Major Markets: USA, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, Slovenia.
What’s driving this? A surge in global demand for health-oriented, sustainable coconut products like virgin coconut oil and coconut milk powder. Even coir products (used in horticulture) are booming, with 2024 exports up 14.3% to $198.86 million.
And guess what? Platforms like Freshdi have been tracking rising RFQs for these products, particularly from the U.S. and European markets. That’s a strong signal for buyers looking to secure suppliers now, before prices spike again.
Top 6 Verified Coconut Suppliers in Sri Lanka – Proven Export Performers
Choosing the right supplier is like picking a business partner—you want reliability, transparency, and results. Based on export performance, certifications, and buyer feedback on Freshdi, here are the Top 6 Coconut Suppliers in Sri Lanka for July 2025:
1. Waguruwela Oil Mills (Pvt) Ltd
- Specialty: Organic coconut milk and cream
- Strengths: High-fat content, USDA Organic & EU certifications
- Markets: Europe, North America
- Why Choose Them: Excellent consistency in product quality and delivery timelines.
2. SAJINI ENTERPRISES
- Specialty: Desiccated coconut (fine and medium grades)
- Strengths: HACCP certified, competitive pricing
- Markets: Middle East, India
- Why Choose Them: High RFQ match rate and positive buyer reviews on Freshdi.
3. Sena Mills Refineries Exports Pvt Ltd.
- Specialty: Organic and conventional coconut flour
- Strengths: Integrated refining facility, ISO 22000 certified
- Markets: USA, Australia
- Why Choose Them: Strong logistics support and bulk export capabilities.
4. William Coir Products Pvt. Ltd.
- Specialty: Coconut husk chips and coir blocks
- Strengths: Eco-friendly production, biodegradable packaging
- Markets: Europe, Japan
- Why Choose Them: Leading in the horticulture segment with sustainable practices.
5. Ceylon Coco Infresh
- Specialty: High-fat desiccated coconut
- Strengths: BRC and ISO certified, customizable grades
- Markets: Europe, Canada
- Why Choose Them: Premium quality and quick sample turnaround.
6. GALUKU LANKA EXPORTS (PRIVATE) LIMITED
- Specialty: Fresh young coconuts
- Strengths: Vacuum-packed for freshness, organic-certified
- Markets: UAE, Korea
- Why Choose Them: High freshness retention and innovative packaging.
⚡️ Dynamic Ranking Note: Freshdi updates its “Supplier of the Month” and “Top Exporter” badges based on RFQs, reviews, and fulfillment rates, so keep checking for the latest movers and shakers.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Let’s talk numbers and trends. Coconut isn’t just a commodity—it’s a global trendsetter in the wellness and sustainability world. But for buyers, timing and data are everything.
Pricing Trends
- Desiccated Coconut: Shot up to $2,050 per metric ton in May 2024—a 30.5% YOY increase.
- Coconut Fiber/Coir: Rose from $56/ton in Jan 2024 to $71/ton by Dec 2024.
These price spikes reflect high demand, but also tight supply due to local production drops and weather disruptions (like the 2024 floods).
Seasonal Strategy
- Peak Harvest: November to February – ideal for negotiating bulk deals.
- Off-Season: May to July – prices may rise due to limited supply.
Pro tip: Use historical pricing data and RFQ trends from Freshdi to predict the best buying windows.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is a tale of resilience. Despite weather shocks and economic hurdles, it continues to punch above its weight in the global coconut game. With committed replanting programs, a focus on value-added products, and a rising export trajectory, Sri Lanka remains a prime sourcing destination.
But here’s the kicker—success in procurement comes down to informed decisions. That means choosing suppliers based on real data, verified performance, and market intelligence.
Platforms like Freshdi help you do just that by offering:
- Verified supplier profiles
- Real-time RFQ trends
- Export performance analytics
- Product traceability and certifications
✅ Checklist for Buyers: How to Select the Right Coconut Supplier
- ✅ Check export volumes and certifications
- ✅ Review buyer feedback and RFQ responses on Freshdi
- ✅ Analyze seasonal pricing trends
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with logistics and customs expertise
- ✅ Look for specialization in high-demand products (e.g., virgin coconut oil, coir)
🔭 Future Outlook
Sri Lanka targets $1.7 billion in coconut exports by 2025, and with massive replanting plans underway, the supply side is set to bounce back. As global demand for clean-label, plant-based products grows, Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is poised for a new growth phase.
Are you ready to seize the opportunity?
FAQs
1. Why is Sri Lanka a preferred source for coconut products?
Sri Lanka offers a unique mix of high-quality coconut varieties, sustainable practices, and advanced processing capabilities. It’s also close to key markets in Asia and the Middle East.
2. What’s the best time of year to buy coconuts from Sri Lanka?
November to February is peak harvest season, offering the best prices and availability. However, monitoring RFQ trends on Freshdi can help time your procurement strategically.
3. What certifications should I look for in a supplier?
Look for ISO, HACCP, USDA Organic, EU Organic, and BRC certifications—these indicate high-quality standards and export readiness.
4. How does Freshdi help in sourcing coconut suppliers?
Freshdi provides verified supplier profiles, real-time RFQ data, historical trade analytics, and buyer reviews—making your sourcing smarter and more strategic.
5. Can I source multiple coconut product types from one supplier?
Yes, many top suppliers offer a range of products—like desiccated coconut, coconut milk, oil, and coir. Use Freshdi to filter suppliers by product category and capability.
References
- Coconut Production by Country – Wikipedia
- Sri Lanka Export Data – World Bank WITS
- Coconut Industry News – UCAP
- Desiccated Coconut Price Trends – Coconut Community
- Sri Lanka Floods 2024 – Wikipedia
- Sri Lanka Export Strategy – Sri Lanka Business
- Coconut Fiber Market Review – Coconut Community
- Haycarb PLC Overview – Wikipedia
- Freshdi B2B Platform
