National Coconut Day
Celebrate with us on June 26th!
Discover the Power of Coconuts
National Coconut Day, observed each year on June 26, honors one of the world’s most versatile and sustainable natural resources… the coconut! This annual event, led by the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA), brings together the industry and the public to celebrate everything coconuts contribute to our health, our economy, and our planet. Thanks to the CCA’s advocacy, the FDA has recently updated its guidance to clarify that coconuts are not tree nuts, a significant win for the industry and consumers alike.
Throughout the month of June, we’re inviting individuals, brands, manufacturers, and retailers to join us in spotlighting the remarkable story of coconuts. From the tropical farms where they grow to the wide range of wellness products on shelves today.
Why Coconuts?
The coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a tropical drupe, commonly called a fruit, with an ancient lineage dating back thousands of years. Native to coastal regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, coconuts have traveled the globe via wind, sea, and trade. Today, coconuts are grown in over 90 countries, with top producers in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and the Americas. Every part of the coconut serves a purpose, earning it the name “The Tree of Life” in many cultures.
What Do Coconuts Have to Offer?
Nutritional Powerhouse
Coconuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to your daily diet. They also provide a natural source of electrolytes, keeping you hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Heart-Healthy
With their high concentration of healthy fats, coconuts can help support a healthy heart. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconuts can boost good cholesterol levels and promote a healthy cardiovascular system.
Immune System Support
Coconuts contain lauric acid, a compound known for its antimicrobial properties. Consuming coconut products can help strengthen your immune system, keeping you better protected against harmful pathogens.
Glowing Skin and Hair
Coconut oil has been a beauty secret for generations. Their nourishing properties can moisturize and rejuvenate your skin, promoting a healthy, radiant glow. Additionally, coconut oil has been shown to strengthen your hair, reducing damage and enhancing its natural shine.
Weight Management
Coconuts offer a unique combination of healthy fats and fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. Incorporating coconuts into your diet can support healthy weight management goals.
Nature’s Nutritional Powerhouse
While often seen as a trendy ingredient, coconuts are actually a global staple with significant cultural, nutritional, and economic importance. Found in products across the food, beverage, beauty, and wellness sectors, coconuts offer functional benefits that support modern, health-conscious lifestyles. From coconut water’s natural electrolytes to the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil, the fruit provides nutrients that support hydration, metabolism, and cognitive function.
Coconut-based ingredients like coconut milk, flour, and sugar are also key components of plant-based and allergen-friendly diets. They offer natural alternatives that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and minimally processed. This makes coconuts a valuable resource not only for consumers looking for cleaner labels, but also for product developers seeking innovation grounded in nature.
A Sustainable Supercrop
Beyond their nutrition profile, coconuts play a vital role in environmental sustainability. Grown in more than 90 countries, coconut palms require minimal chemical inputs and help prevent soil erosion. Between the water, meat, shell, husk, and even the trunk, the entire coconut can be used making it a true zero-waste crop.
The coconut industry also supports the livelihoods of millions of small farmers, many of whom rely on coconut cultivation as their primary source of income. Promoting ethical, transparent sourcing is essential to preserving the long-term viability of coconut production while ensuring economic stability in farming communities.
At CCA, we’re committed to advancing these conversations, connecting responsible supply chains, advocating for better practices, and encouraging the broader industry to work together in support of both people and the planet.
Join the Celebration
Join us this June for a month-long campaign leading up to National Coconut Day on June 26th. Each week, we’ll share new content that explores the science, sustainability, and innovation behind coconut products. We’ll highlight member companies doing meaningful work across the value chain, amplify important industry voices, and deliver educational resources that help clarify misconceptions around coconut nutrition and sourcing.
We invite everyone to participate—whether you’re a company looking to feature your coconut products or a consumer eager to learn more about what makes coconuts so powerful.
More Coconut Resources
January 15, 2025
February 29, 2024
May 26, 2023
About CCA:
We are working together in the coconut industry to maintain high quality standards and preserving the integrity of the wide array of coconut products available in the Americas. CCA is a voice for all coconut industry stakeholders, including government groups, academia, the healthcare community and the global industry.