By Raphaela Ann Manalo, UPLB Intern

Known as the tree of life, coconut remains as one of the most important crops in the Philippines. With its many uses, the whole tree can be transformed into several products such as oil, sap, water, copra, cocopeat, coir and charcoal.

Cocosugar is one of GlowCorp’s best selling products, contributing 13% to the company’s total revenue in 2021. Supplied by 4 producers from Mindanao namely Trunk to Gold, Global Mindanao Agri-Ventures, San Vicente Coco Producers Association and McZel, 33 metric tons of cocosugar was purchased by GlowCorp. 

Cocosugar contains more vitamins and minerals compared to the usual table sugar. Cocosugar contains vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium. It also contains polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanidin and antioxidants. Cocosugar has a lower glycemic index with 35 as compared to table sugar which ranges from 60 to 75.  It also contains inulin which is a type of dietary soluble fiber that can make post-meal blood sugar spikes less likely and is good for your gut. 

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization recognized coconut palm sugar as the world’s most sustainable sweetener. It has no artificial ingredients and is not chemically altered. In addition, water and fuel consumption in production is very minimal.

According to Mr. Jojo Joson, consultant  of McZel, there is great potential in cocosugar especially in Sitio Paopao in General Santos City, South Cotabato where a high yield of coconut sap is harvested. Although this potential will be beneficial in selling cocosugar, the process involved in transforming coconut sap into cocosugar is “not mechanical” and still practices traditional ways of processing cocosugar. Also due to the many processes involved, production is deemed expensive.

References:

Bhardwaj, N. (2020, August 27). These 5 benefits will make you choose coconut sugar over the regular variety. Health Shots. https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/5-benefits-of-coconut-sugar-youll-fall-in-love-with/

Coco Sugar Indonesia. (n.d.). The Benefits from Organic Coconut Sugar. COCO SUGAR | Largest and Leading Organic Coconut Sugar Producer. https://cocosugar.com/benefits/