Coconut water consumption in Brazil drops by as much as 80% during the winter months, according to the National Union of Coconut Producers of Brazil (Sindicoco). The decline is strongest in the South and Southeast, while production continues in key producing regions.
In Petrolândia, Pernambuco, producer Bruno Alves da Silva has implemented a model to mitigate the seasonal impact by splitting production between industry and fresh sales. "It's vital to maintain this hybrid model, because if only raw coconuts are sold for consumption as coconut water, the producer will lose a lot during the colder months," he said. Alves da Silva harvested 3.5 million coconuts in 2024 on about 50 hectares of producing area, within a total of 200 hectares planted. He estimates an average yield of 400 fruits per plant.
Petrolândia led Brazil's coconut production in 2024, with 162,000 tons and a turnover of R$113.4 million (US$20.1 million), according to Municipal Agricultural Production (PAM). The municipality overtook Paraipaba in Ceará, which had led for four years, with 155,900 tons. Ceará remains the leading producing state with 588,500 tons, followed by Bahia with 360,000 tons.
Sindicoco vice president Francisco Nunes said the winter of 2025 recorded lower temperatures compared to previous years and impacted consumption, including in the Northeast. "Since coconut production never stops, many producers end up switching to dried coconut production," he explained. He also noted the large number of derivative products, including milk, shredded coconut, soap, oil, and confectionery.
Nunes added that coconut farming represents small-scale production in Brazil, with plantations averaging 2.5 hectares and producing year-round. On his farm in Petrolina, he dedicates 8 hectares to coconuts, producing about 600,000 fruits annually. His agro-industry bottles between 25,000 and 30,000 liters of coconut water per month, using his own crop and coconuts purchased from other small producers.
According to Sindicoco, the coconut agribusiness sector employs about 250 people in the São Francisco Valley, with an average of 1.5 workers per hectare across 6,000 hectares of plantations. Despite seasonality, the sector remains a key employer and a source of income diversification in the region.
Source: Abrafrutas