The price of coconut water has soared sharply throughout Georgetown. Vendors spoken to by this newspaper say that they had to raise their prices as a result of exportation of coconuts, however some say that prices fluctuate because of transportation costs.
Mark Craig, a vendor at Bourda Market, Georgetown told Stabroek News that the price for coconut water has increased drastically. He noted that there is a lot of competition, which has caused business to be slow.
“Right now the coconut price is very high and dear. The coconut water is going up to $400 for one,” Craig stated while informing that he often gets his coconuts from the Upper Pomeroon. He added that over the last few years a lot of persons have entered the coconut business which has created a lot of competition. “Competition stiff right now, all the little corner selling coconut water like if drinks going on round here now so everybody in the coconut business right now.”
Imanuel Neblett, another vendor located just a few stalls away from Mark, also mentioned the price increases and disclosed that he too purchases his coconuts from the Pomeroon. He echoed that the price has climbed in recent years compared to a few years ago.
According to Jamal, who runs his business in Georgetown’s Charlotte Street, his business offers coconut water in both the shell and bottles at various price points and volumes.
“Shell is $300 while the bottle 500ml is $400, one-litre bottle is $700 and two-litre bottle $1300”. He too said that the Pomeroon is the source of his coconut water. He pointed out as well that in addition to being sold to them, coconuts are also exported to other nations.
Meanwhile, Floyd Williams, a coconut vendor who runs a business near the intersection of Church Street and Orange Walk, said that the cost varies significantly very frequently. “Compared to last year and now the price going up all the time. We buying from Pomeroon for $120 and $140.Sometime it go up and sometime it come down. His coconut supply comes from the Pomeroon.
Latchman Ramsook, who operates in Queenstown, also told Stabroek News that the price has increased from last year to now
“From last year to now we used to pay $80,000 for 1,000. Now we paying $160,000 for 1,000, So far the farmer seh the coconut shipping to Trinidad, to get the coconut we here got to pay the price.”
Ramsook told Stabroek News that the coconut price has increased slightly and because of that he had to raise his prices to turn a profit. He typically gets his coconuts from Pomeroon and noted that compared to last year prices have increased.
