Introduction – South Africa’s Coconut By Products Market in Statistical Focus
Let’s face it—when most people think about coconuts, South Africa might not be the first country that springs to mind. But surprisingly, this southern gem is making waves in the coconut by-products market. While South Africa doesn’t boast vast coconut plantations like Indonesia or the Philippines, it’s become a significant importer and emerging exporter of coconut-derived goods. That’s right—South Africa is strategically positioning itself not as a grower, but as a connector in the global coconut supply chain.
Here’s the quick scoop: In 2024, South Africa imported over 5.4 thousand tons of coconut oil, a sharp 38% increase from the previous year, worth $9.4 million. Refined coconut oil wasn’t far behind, with 4.8 thousand tons brought in, totaling $7.4 million. Coconut sugar? South Africans love it, importing a whopping 49.27 million kilograms in 2023 alone, valued at $40.28 million. (IndexBox, Tridge)
Even more impressive—exports of coconut products surged 32% between February 2023 and January 2024, clocking in at 4,814 shipments, mostly heading to neighbors like Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho. (Volza)
These numbers show us that South Africa is not just consuming coconut by-products—it’s becoming a hub for redistribution and trade. This makes supplier selection a matter of data, not guesswork. And platforms like Freshdi are making this process smarter, offering verified supplier profiles, RFQ trends, and real-time market insights to support strategic sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
While South Africa doesn’t produce coconuts at scale, it’s turned its import-heavy position into an export advantage. How? By importing raw or semi-processed coconut products and re-exporting them after packaging or value addition.
The demand for coconut oil, coconut sugar, and coconut milk powder is growing fast, with the local market expected to reach $681.8 million by 2032, up from $393.8 million in 2022—a CAGR of 5.69%. A big chunk of this growth will come from health-conscious consumers turning to plant-based, organic alternatives. (Apollo Research)
Platforms like Freshdi help capture this demand through RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends. These requests reflect what buyers are actively searching for—be it bulk coconut oil, desiccated coconut, or powdered coconut milk. It’s a real-time pulse on what’s hot and what’s not.
Top 9 Verified Coconut By Products Suppliers in South Africa – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Choosing a supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about reliability, performance, and market presence. Based on export data, Freshdi user reviews, and product visibility, here are the Top 9 Coconut By Products Suppliers in South Africa in 2025:
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BF GLOBAL TRADING (PTY) LTD
Known for high-quality semi-husked coconuts and organic tropical fruits, they’re a go-to for buyers seeking consistency. -
Zabs Holdings
Specializes in coconut oil, offering both virgin and refined options to meet diverse buyer preferences. -
Foshan Mafrika Stock And Supplies
A strong player in the powdered coconut milk market, ideal for beverage and dessert manufacturers. -
Lawana and Sons Supplies
Focuses on high-purity coconut oil, serving both retail and industrial clients with customizable packaging. -
Ngwabe Trading Group
Offers a diversified coconut product range and is well-reviewed on Freshdi for their logistics reliability. -
Cape Coco Exports
Based in the Western Cape, this supplier has carved out a niche in exporting desiccated coconut and coconut chips. -
Makhanda Organics
An emerging player focused on organic certifications and sustainable packaging—a favorite among eco-conscious buyers. -
Jozi Tropics Co.
Supplies coconut milk and coconut-based wellness products, with a growing export footprint in SADC countries. -
Durban Coco Traders
Known for bulk transactions and competitive pricing, particularly in coconut flour and coconut shell charcoal.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Keep in mind that supplier rankings can shift quarterly. Platforms like Freshdi offer “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” based on RFQ performance, customer reviews, and fulfillment rates. So always check the latest stats before locking in a deal.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Let’s talk trends. Coconut sugar has seen a steady climb in demand, especially among health-conscious and diabetic consumers. South Africa imported over 49 million kg in 2023 alone. This is a clear indicator of growing B2B opportunities in organic sweeteners.
In terms of pricing, coconut oil has seen seasonal fluctuations. Prices typically spike in Q4 due to global shortages and holiday demand for confectionery products. By analyzing historical data, smart buyers can time their purchases during Q2 or Q3 to get better deals.
With Freshdi’s price trend graphs and RFQ heatmaps, you can spot these patterns ahead of time. Whether you’re sourcing coconut flour for a vegan bakery or coconut charcoal for a shisha business, knowing the seasonal price curve can save thousands.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
South Africa might not be a coconut powerhouse in terms of cultivation, but it’s punching above its weight in the coconut by-products trade. With import volumes rising and exports growing steadily, the country is becoming a vital link for regional distribution.
So, what should you look for when choosing a supplier?
- Proven export track record
- Verified presence on platforms like Freshdi
- Positive buyer feedback
- Price stability and fulfillment capacity
And that’s where Freshdi comes in. From supplier verification to RFQ analytics and market insights, Freshdi empowers buyers to make informed, confident sourcing decisions. No guesswork. Just data.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa is a rising importer and re-exporter of coconut by-products, not a producer.
- Coconut oil and coconut sugar are the top import categories.
- Exports are growing, targeting neighboring African markets.
- Verified suppliers like BF Global Trading and Zabs Holdings lead the market.
- Freshdi helps buyers track trends, RFQs, and supplier performance in real-time.
Buyer Checklist – Coconut By Products Sourcing in South Africa
✅ Check supplier certifications and export history
✅ Use Freshdi to verify supplier reviews and RFQ activity
✅ Monitor seasonal price changes for better deals
✅ Choose suppliers with diversified product lines
✅ Prioritize logistics readiness and packaging flexibility
Future Outlook – What’s Ahead for the Market?
The coconut by-products market in South Africa is set for steady growth, reaching nearly $700 million by 2032. As health and wellness trends continue to drive demand, expect more B2B buyers to enter the market.
We’ll likely see:
- More product diversification (e.g., coconut yogurt, coconut butter)
- Increased focus on organic labeling
- Stronger integration with African trade corridors (AfCFTA)
And with platforms like Freshdi, buyers will continue to gain better visibility and control over their supply chain—one coconut product at a time.
FAQs
1. Is South Africa a major producer of coconuts?
No, South Africa imports most of its coconut products. It plays a vital role in distribution and re-export rather than cultivation.
2. What are the most imported coconut by-products in South Africa?
Coconut oil, refined coconut oil, and coconut sugar are the top imported items.
3. How do I verify a supplier in South Africa?
Use B2B platforms like Freshdi to check certifications, export records, and buyer reviews.
4. When is the best time to buy coconut oil in bulk?
Usually during Q2 or Q3 when global demand is lower and prices are more stable.
5. Can I request product samples from suppliers on Freshdi?
Yes, many verified suppliers offer sample requests directly through the Freshdi platform before placing large orders.
References
- IndexBox – South Africa Coconut Oil Imports 2024
- IndexBox – Refined Coconut Oil Imports 2024
- Tridge – Coconut Sugar in South Africa
- Volza – Coconut Exports from South Africa
- Apollo RR – South African Coconut Products Market Report
