by Bapa Bedu

Koronadal, South Cotabato (18 April) -- Copra has been our export earner, but today nontraditional coconut products get a boost in the international market.

Global demand for products made with natural ingredients, including those used in making medicine, soap and shampoo, drove exports of nontraditional coconut-based products up to about $34.7 million in 2006, according to data from the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines, an umbrella group for coconut oil mills.

Last year, 10 products earned at least $1 million each, the data showed.

Exports of glycerin, which is used as an ingredient for medicine, personal care products, foods and beverages, animal feeds and other items, went to the United States, China, New Zealand and South Korea and 18 other countries.

Exports of coconut-based toilet and bath soaps earned $8.01 million, with exports reaching 2,815 metric tons, up 4.5 percent from 2005. These went to Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and 58 other countries.

Coconut milk powder earned $6 million with 2,717 metric tons shipped out, up 146.6 percent in volume.

Exports of virgin coconut oil continued to grow in 2006, reaching 504 metric tons and fetching about $1.5 million. The US remained as the top buyer, followed by Canada and South Korea.