The global demand for coconut products has surged due to its perceived health benefits, with US consumption of coconut oil increasing by 30% since 2018. However, the production process in countries like Sri Lanka poses risks to farmers and workers, who face low wages and hazardous conditions. Despite the health claims surrounding coconut products, nutritionists argue that the benefits are overstated and that the high saturated fat content of coconut oil can be detrimental to cardiovascular health. The coconut industry has also raised concerns about the treatment of farmers and workers, with some companies exploiting them for cheap labor. The documentary highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the coconut industry and the impact of Western demand on local communities.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A factory in Sri Lanka produces over 30,000 metric tons of coconut per year.
2. Almost none of the coconuts produced in Sri Lanka are consumed locally, with most being exported to Europe, the US, and Canada.
3. US consumption of coconut oil has increased by nearly 30% since 2018.
4. Navic Mills, a coconut processing company in Sri Lanka, was founded just five years ago and now makes around $40 million per year.
5. The company sells various coconut products, including coconut oil, cream, water, and milk.
6. Coconut farmers in Sri Lanka face challenges in keeping up with demand, including the time it takes for trees to mature (up to six years) and the risk of pests and diseases.
7. Farmers manage massive forests in rotation to ensure a constant supply of ripe coconuts.
8. White flies and Asian rhinoceros beetles are major pests that can damage coconut palms.
9. Foreign workers in Sri Lanka earn around $5 per day, which is less than the average salary in the country.
10. Navic Mills covers the school fees for the children of farmers who work with them.
11. Coconut palms can live for up to a century and produce fruit every 1.5 months.
12. Coconut water has lots of electrolytes and can be a natural replacement for sports drinks.
13. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat (87%) and calories.
14. The American Heart Association warned in 2017 that consuming large amounts of coconut oil could increase bad cholesterol and cause cardiovascular events.
15. Navic Mills processes around 30,000 metric tons of coconuts per year, with 95% being exported to European and North American countries.
16. The company has planted 20,000 more trees and hired dozens of new workers to keep up with demand.
17. Coconut farmers in Sri Lanka are not the only superfood producers feeling pressure to meet demand, with other countries like Brazil and Peru also experiencing increased interest in their products.
18. Brazilian acai farmers risk their lives to harvest the berries, which have become popular for their antioxidants.
19. Peruvian quinoa farmers have tripled production to meet demand, but prices have plunged due to overproduction.
20. Avocado farmers in Mexico have formed vigilante groups to protect their crops from cartels.