Dominica coconut oil 'hampered by slow production'

The Dominican government's director of trade has revealed there is a demand for coconut oil from the island – but that producers cannot keep up.

Matthan J Walter released a statement in which he said that although supplying coconut oil could boost the economy the nation suffers "from what is called supply-side constraints, in being able to fulfil that demand".

“Where this product is particularly concerned, I have been told from reasonably good sources, that some producers take up to six months to be able to make available the product on request. This cannot be good, since, like time, markets wait for no one,” he added.

Producing through cooperatives?

He warned against producers taking on more work than they can manage.

"It is very important to prudently plan ahead so that you can consistently fulfil your orders."

Walter was speaking after attending the Believers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society conference, where ideas and strategies for the development of the coconut oil Industry through cooperatives was discussed.

Use of coconut oil has grown over the last five years. It has various applications, including cooking and skincare. Due to the high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidise and can last up to six months at without spoiling.