Posted: Saturday, October 11, 2025. 8:46 am CST.
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News.
Diversifying Belize’s Economic Basket: The case for Coconuts and their Derivatives
Written by: Dr. Leroy Almendarez: For decades, Belize’s economy has leaned heavily on a few core industries—tourism, sugar, citrus, and bananas. While these sectors have contributed significantly to national income and employment, overdependence exposes the country to external shocks such as hurricanes, global price volatility, and shifting trade policies. To build long-term resilience and prosperity, Belize must continue diversifying its economic basket. One promising avenue lies in expanding the coconut industry and its wide array of derivatives.
Globally, demand for coconut products has surged in recent years, driven by health-conscious consumers and the rise of plant-based diets. Coconut water is now a billion-dollar industry, with strong markets in North America and Europe. Coconut oil, flour, milk, and cream are increasingly used in food manufacturing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Even coconut husks and shells, once considered waste, are now transformed into eco-friendly products such as biodegradable packaging, activated charcoal, and coir for agriculture. Belize’s proximity to major markets and its reputation for natural, organic production give it a competitive advantage.
Belize has the natural conditions—fertile soils, tropical climate, and available land—for large-scale coconut cultivation. Small farmers across the country, particularly in the coastal and southern districts, already grow coconuts for local consumption. With targeted investment and technical support, these smallholdings could evolve into a robust export industry. Moreover, coconut cultivation aligns with Belize’s climate adaptation strategy: coconut trees are relatively resilient to storms, require minimal chemical inputs, and can coexist with other crops in mixed farming systems.
The real potential lies not only in raw coconut exports but in value-added processing. Belize can position itself as a hub for premium coconut derivatives:
– Food & Beverage: coconut water, milk, flour, sugar, and chips.
– Health & Wellness: virgin coconut oil, nutraceuticals, and supplements.
– Cosmetics & Personal Care: soaps, lotions, and hair products.
– Sustainable Products: coir for horticulture, bio-charcoal from shells, and biodegradable packaging.
To unlock the potential of coconuts, a multi-stakeholder approach is required:
- Government is supporting through research, extension services, and favorable policies.
- Private Sector Investment: to establish processing plants, export logistics, and branding.
- Regional and International Partnerships: accessing financing, technical know-how, and markets.
- Small Farmer Integration: ensuring inclusivity through cooperatives, training, and access to credit.
Such an approach would mirror Belize’s successful experiences in tourism and aquaculture, but with a focus on sustainability and global trends.
Diversification is not just an economic choice;, its a sustainability strategy, for Belize, in a rapidly changing world. By investing in coconuts and their derivatives, Belize can add a new pillar to its economic foundation, create high-value jobs, and strengthen its resilience against global shocks. Just as sugar and citrus defined earlier eras, coconuts could very well be the next frontier in Belize’s economic story.
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The post Coconuts on my mind! appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, October 11, 2025. 8:46 am CST. The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize
The post Coconuts on my mind! appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
