Sustainable Sourcing Model
The global coconut industry is notoriously opaque, often characterized by exploitative labor practices and severe environmental degradation. Coco de Puerto Rico was founded to build a transparent, ethical alternative. We manage a direct, vertically integrated supply chain localized entirely within Puerto Rico.
Direct Farm Partnerships
We do not buy from commodity brokers. We contract directly with a network of over 40 family-owned and cooperative farms across the island. This disintermediation allows us to pay farmers a premium—averaging 35% above the Caribbean commodity index—while maintaining competitive pricing for our wholesale buyers.
Agroforestry & Soil Health
Monocropping depletes soil and invites disease. We mandate and subsidize agroforestry practices among our partners. Coconuts are intercropped with cacao, plantains, and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. This enhances biodiversity, improves soil retention, and provides secondary income streams for farmers.
Ethical Labor Guarantees
Operating under US jurisdiction means our entire supply chain is subject to federal labor laws, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the absolute prohibition of forced or child labor. This provides our industrial clients with unmatched compliance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) security.
- 100% Traceability to the farm level for all coconut water and coconut milk.
- Zero reliance on non-human primate labor (a common issue in Southeast Asian harvests).
- Comprehensive workers' compensation and healthcare for processing facility staff.
Zero-Waste Facility Goals
The coconut is nature's most efficient crop; every part has utility. Our processing facility is designed to eliminate organic waste:
- Husks & Shells: Converted into biochar to amend soil at our partner farms or sold to local nurseries for orchid cultivation.
- Coconut Water (Mature): When processing mature coconuts for coconut oil or desiccated coconut, the water (which is unsuitable for premium drinking water) is fermented into coconut vinegar for local markets.
Farm Yield Estimator
Estimate the annual yield of a standard agroforestry hectare.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging. Review our shipping and logistics practices.