June is a special month for coconut lovers and industry advocates alike! As we approach National Coconut Day on June 26th, the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) is thrilled to look back on the incredible work our coalition has accomplished to support, promote, and grow the coconut category.

At CCA, our mission is to unite the coconut industry and advocate for the growth, integrity, and sustainability of coconut products. From championing coconut farmers to defending the nutritional reputation of coconut products, our initiatives have made a lasting impact. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our journey so far:

National Coconut Day: Raising Awareness

In 2019, we founded National Coconut Day, celebrated annually on June 26th, to shine a spotlight on the many benefits and uses of coconuts. Every June, we come together to share the story of coconuts; how they nourish us, support communities, and offer endless possibilities in food, beverage, and personal care. Through social campaigns, educational resources, and ongoing marketing initiatives, we’re proud to elevate coconut’s profile and inspire more people to enjoy its many benefits.

Lighting Up Lives: Empowering Coconut Communities

Our Lighting Up Lives initiative, launched in partnership with the Primex Isle de Coco Foundation, is one of the projects closest to our hearts. By installing solar-powered lighting in the homes of coconut farmers, we’re helping families enjoy brighter evenings, safer environments, and more opportunities for children to learn and thrive. It’s a shining example of how the coconut industry can give back to those who make it all possible.

Advocating for Accurate Allergen Labeling

Coconuts are often misunderstood, especially when it comes to food labeling. Since 2019, we’ve championed the effort to remove coconut from the FDA’s “top 8 allergen” list. Backed by science and a commitment to clarity, we submitted a citizen petition to help consumers and industry partners understand that coconut is a fruit, not a tree nut. 

We’re thrilled to share that our advocacy has made a real impact. In the FDA’s latest guidance—Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5): Guidance for Industry—coconut is not listed as a tree nut with major scientifically established allergenicity. This is a huge win for the coconut industry, brands, and consumers alike. This progress not only lifts a major burden for brands and manufacturers but also helps consumers make better-informed choices.

Supporting Sustainability & Farmer Livelihoods

Sustainability is at the core of what we do. Through partnerships with industry leaders like Franklin Baker, Mars, and the Livelihood Funds for Family Farming (L3F), we provide coconut farmers with training in sustainable agriculture, replanting, and multi-cropping. These efforts not only boost yields and incomes, but also create a brighter future for farming families and their communities.

We’re also proud to work with organizations such as Symrise and The Absolut Company to promote Good Agricultural Practices and intercropping, ensuring a resilient and eco-friendly coconut supply chain. And by finding creative ways to minimize waste, we’re helping the industry tread more lightly on the planet.

Defending Coconut’s Nutritional Reputation

When coconut oil came under fire for its saturated fat content, we stepped up. The CCA has consistently provided science-based information about the unique properties of coconut oil, especially its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Our experts have helped set the record straight in the media and beyond, ensuring coconut’s health benefits are understood and appreciated.

Promoting Quality and Transparency

We believe in quality you can trust. That’s why we launched the VCO Verified Supplier program, recognizing suppliers who meet our high standards for virgin coconut oil production. Through collaboration with the Industry Transparency Center, we continue to champion best practices and transparency across the industry.

Our Ongoing Mission

As we celebrate National Coconut Day and share stories throughout the month, we invite you to join us in:

• • Growing the coconut category through unified advocacy
  • Supporting sustainability and farmer livelihoods
  • Promoting accurate labeling and industry standards
  • Defending coconut products against misinformation

This June, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating coconuts, trying a new recipe, sharing your favorite coconut product, or just giving a shoutout to the farmers who make it all possible.