Ghana has emerged as a major player in the global coconut industry, with exports of Desiccated Coconut surging by 249% in 2021. According to the Ghana Export Promotion Centre (GEPA), export values skyrocketed to $21.985 million, up from just $6.3 million the previous year.
This rapid growth has propelled Ghana to the position of the 9th largest global exporter of the product, maintaining an impressive average annual growth rate of 45% over the last five years.
The Dominican Republic stands as the primary destination for Ghanaian desiccated coconut, accounting for a massive 79% of the country’s total exports in this category. Ghana has successfully captured nearly 60% of the Dominican market, outperforming regional competitors like Guyana and Côte d’Ivoire.
GEPA suggests that this strong foothold in the Dominican Republic should serve as a strategic launchpad for Ghana to expand its reach into other lucrative Caribbean markets.
On the global stage, the desiccated coconut market exceeded $1 billion in 2021, led by industry giants such as the Philippines and Indonesia. While Ghana’s $22 million contribution is currently smaller than the Philippines’ $397 million, its growth rate is significantly outpacing the global average.
GEPA’s ongoing supply expansion programs aim to further diversify coconut derivatives and solidify Ghana’s reputation as a reliable international supplier.
