Computer Engineer with Bottled Tender Coconut Water under “Pure” Brand
“The water of a good tender coconut. Wouldn’t people want it if it was available in a bottle in our town?”—this is what Kiran Kumar, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, thought when tender coconut water was becoming a trend in America and other places.
- He explored the possibility of marketing tender coconut water in convenient bottles that are easy to carry and use.
- Ten years ago, while working at the Nellikuppam Development Board, he was inspired by the then-Chairman T.K. Jose.
- After studying computer engineering, he decided to step into the coconut business.
- He also found a technology license from the Defense Food Laboratory in Mysore.
- The availability of quality tender coconuts was another challenge.
- There are very few orchards in Kerala where tender coconuts can be ensured continuously on a commercial basis.
- Thus, Kiran started his venture in the industrial area of Kanjikode.
- The initial years were difficult.
- The technology obtained from Mysore was not fully complete.
- It took years of experimentation to perfect it.
- The response in the retail market was not encouraging at the beginning.
- Financial crises and then the Covid crisis came one after another.
The establishment, which was on the verge of shutting down, made a comeback through business change.
- Instead of the retail market, he accepted bulk orders.
- At the same time, more investment was made to improve the technology.
- The cost of production was reduced by moving to retort packaging.
- Even though production is not happening at full capacity, the company is now in profit.
- It is sold across Kerala under the brand name “Pure”.
- Additionally, bottled tender coconut water is supplied to 4-5 companies under their own brands.
- Quality is the main USP.
- There is a high demand for bottled tender coconut water there during the summer.
- Pure’s tender coconut bottles are also being exported to Canada.
- Demand is also increasing in Kerala compared to earlier times.
- Pure is sold through 1500 shops across all districts.
Tender coconut pulp is another source of income.
- Two leading ice cream companies in the Kanjikode industrial area buy this as a raw material.
- Freeze-dried tender coconut pulp is provided to customers as per requirement.
- Catering companies, hotels, and tender coconut shake sellers are also among the customers.
- In the beginning, he tried to collect tender coconuts from farmers.
- They were unable to ensure continuous availability or provide them at a fixed quality level.
- Now, they are being collected through traders from Palakkad’s coconut groves.
- Large coconuts with thick pulp are required.
- Although hybrid varieties have more water, the taste is slightly less.
- Tender coconuts are not purchased from Pollachi because the water from that soil is less sweet.
- Since 100% Kerala tender coconuts are used, the price in the market is slightly higher.
- A bottle is priced at 20-22 rupees.
- Farmers get 18 rupees per coconut.
- Tender coconut is a very profitable product even if it is not sold as a kernel.
- Higher price and yield are guaranteed this way.
- Usually, it takes 45 days for a coconut to mature.
- Tender coconuts can provide a continuous income at 30-day intervals.
- Since traders come to the orchard and harvest them, the farmer can also avoid the cost and labor of climbing the tree.
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What is bottled tender coconut water business in Kerala?
It is the process of collecting, processing, and packaging tender coconut water into bottles for easy consumption and commercial sale.
Is bottled coconut water profitable?
Yes, bottled tender coconut water is profitable due to high demand, especially during summer, and additional income from coconut pulp.
Why Kerala tender coconut water is preferred?
Kerala tender coconuts are known for their sweetness and quality compared to other regions.
What is the price of bottled coconut water in Kerala?
The bottled tender coconut water is priced between ₹20–22 per bottle.
How do farmers benefit from tender coconut supply?
Farmers get continuous income every 30 days, better pricing, and avoid harvesting labor costs.
