Issue 53

Horizon talks to Bunphot Kliaphungphit, founder and managing director of Coco Easy on how the innovation makes it easier for coconut water lovers to crack their nut.

What was the idea behind Coco Easy?
It came from my own experience of wanting to drink coconut water, but not knowing how best to crack the shell. I spent around 10 years in trial and error before achieving the best solution in 2013, and I registered the patent for Coco Easy invention the same year. My innovation allows consumers to drink coconut water straight from the shell as easily as drinking from a can or a bottle. We engrave two circular grooves on the shell and fix a ring-pull on the smaller groove. To drink the coconut water, you can open the shell easily by pulling the ring-pull. You can also eat the coconut meat by pulling away the coconut shell within the large groove with your hand.

Who are your key customers?
Domestically, Coco Easy targets golfers and foreign tourists. We distribute our products at golf courses, hotels and several supermarkets such as Gourmet Market at Siam Paragon and the Tops chains. We also export Coco Easy products to other countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Germany and other European countries.

What is your prediction for the coconut water market?
The market is forecast to grow gradually, thanks to health-conscious consumers and the trend towards organic products. The demand for coconut water is increasing in many countries, such as China and the US.

How does Coco Easy differentiate itself from competitors?
Coco Easy sells quality products and never competes with other brands through price cuts. We source only fresh young green coconuts from Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon where the best quality coconuts are grown. Moreover, consumers can drink our coconut water easily anytime and anywhere from the shell without worrying how to open the shell.

What are your future plans?
Currently, Coco Easy has a factory in Rangsit district, Pathum Thani province with a production capacity of 3,000 coconuts per day. By the first half of 2017, Coco Easy will have another factory in Ratchaburi. This will increase our production capacity to around 40,000-50,000 coconuts per day. We also plan to expand our market in the Middle East, Europe, South Korea and the US. We are working with a research institute to increase the shelf life of Coco Easy products.

For more information, please visit www.coconuteasy.com