more in the natural channel, it will eventually gain additional market
share conventionally and also innovate with different delivery formats.
For instance, coconut oil spray is big at Woodstock Farmers'
Market in Woodstock, Vermont, according to grocery team leader
Amelia Rappaport. At The Good Earth Food Co-Op, in St. Cloud,
Minnesota, Kelsey Kapsch, grocery manager, says that customers
are gravitating toward Ellyndale Foods Coconut Infusions (f lavor
infused coconut oil) and Liquid Coconut Cooking Oil.
The introduction of organic, cold-pressed, on-the-go packets
like those from Carrington Farms, "address consumers' need for
convenience [and] is one trend here to stay," Ortega says.
Overall, retailers believe the popularity of coconut oil will
continue to rise. "It's the raw ingredient that everyone wants to have
to satisfy their health issue," says Paul Knowles, grocery buyer at
Rainbow Grocery Co-operative in San Francisco. "It's definitely
here to stay."
category spotlight
SPOTLIGHT ON COCONUT PRODUCTS
Check out these products causing a buzz around the country with both retailers and customers.
Boulder Canyon Coconut Oil Kettle Potato Chips. Cooked
in coconut oil, these chips are gluten-free, non-GMO, low
in sodium and contain only three ingredients: potatoes,
coconut oil, and sea salt. bouldercanyonfoods.com
Carrington Farms Coconut Avocado Oil. This blend of
two superfood oils has a high smoke point, but remains
liquid for cooking convenience. It's also high in medium
chain triglycerides (MCT's)—used for energy production—
and healthy monosaturated fats. carringtonfarms.com
Coconut Beach 100% Natural Honey Coconut Chips.
Dairy-, gluten-, and preservative-free, these chips are
crunchy with a subtle taste of honey. coconutbeach.com
Coconut Organics Chipotle CocoSalt. Unrefined Celtic
sea salt is combined with organic low-gylcemic coconut
sugar and organic chipotle to make a salty, sweet, and
smoky seasoning. coconutorganics.com
Coconut Secret Raw Coconut Vinegar. This raw,
unpasteurized vinegar comes from the sap of the coconut
tree. It is organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and high in amino
acids, vitamin B and C, and naturally occurring prebiotics
that aid in digestion. coconutsecret.com
Hope Hummus Dark Chocolate Coconut Hummus.
Organic garbanzo beans, organic cacao, and organic
coconut make up this spread, which can be eaten
alone or used in recipes for gluten-free baked goods.
hopefoods.com
Julian Bakery Paleo Wraps. Raw, organic, vegan, starch-,
gluten-, yeast-, grain- soy- and GMO-free, these wraps
are made with only three organic ingredients: coconut
meat, coconut water, and unrefined virgin coconut oil.
julianbakery.com
K'ul Chocolate 70% Dark Chocolate Electrobar. Inspired
by runners and cyclists, this post-workout bar contains
evaporated coconut water to rehydrate and restore
potassium and electrolytes. Vegan, gluten-free, and non-
GMO. kul-chocolate.com
Marou Ben Tre Coconut 55% Milk Chocolate Bar.
Hailing from Vietnam, this bar is made from coconut milk
sourced from the Ben Tre region in Vietnam. Gluten- and
dairy-free. marouchocolate.com
Miyoko's Creamery European Style Cultured
VeganButter. Made with organic coconut oil and
organic cashews, this non-GMO, vegan spread
melts, cooks, bakes, spreads and tastes like butter.
miyokoskitchen.com
Natural Sins Crispy Coconut Chips. This Paleo-friendly
'Un-Potato Chip' is baked and made from wild coconuts
from Costa Rica. Non-GMO and only 4 grams of sugar per
1-ounce bag. natualsinsonline.com
Sanavi Sparkling Spring Water, Coconut. Sourced from
spring water with higher levels of naturally occurring
minerals and electrolytes, Sanavi has no preservatives,
artificial ingredients, caffeine, or sodium. Zero calories
with natural coconut flavor. drinksanavi.com
Vosges Coconut Ash & Banana Super Dark Chocolate
Bar. Sri Lankan coconut, charcoal coconut ash, and
Hawaiian banana make up this 72 percent cacao dark
chocolate bar. Rich in potassium, antioxidants, vegan, and
gluten-free. vosgeschocolat.com
"[Coconut] is gaining ground with
specialty foods because people
now have a deeper understanding
of how good it is for them. Its
dietary and nutritional message
has finally caught up, giving it
more momentum than ever."
(continued on p. 82)
78 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com
