Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is positioning itself as a major foreign exchange earner, with the sector targeting export revenue between USD 1.5 billion and USD 2.5 billion amid rising global demand for value-added coconut-based products.
Coconut-based exports recorded a strong performance in April 2026, with export earnings increasing by 23.49% year-on-year. All major sub-sectors within the industry posted positive growth during the month. Exports of Coconut Kernel products, Coconut Fibre products, and Coconut Shell products grew by 7.29%, 27.24%, and 66.67% respectively, reflecting increased global demand and higher levels of value addition across the sector.
Among Coconut Kernel products, export earnings from Coconut Oil and Liquid Coconut Milk rose by 1.65% and 5.07% respectively compared to April 2025. Within the Coconut Fibre products category, Coco Peat, Fibre Pith, and Moulded products—the largest contributors to the coconut export sector—recorded a notable growth of 11.63%, reaching USD 18.62 million in April 2026, further underlining the growing international demand for Sri Lanka’s value-added fibre products.
Activated Carbon, one of the country’s key coconut shell-based export products, registered a significant increase of 58.32%, reaching USD 20.55 million during April 2026. The performance highlights the increasing contribution of high-value coconut-based exports to Sri Lanka’s overall export earnings.
During the first quarter of 2026, earnings from coconut and coconut-based products surged by 20.76% to USD 314.09 million compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The industry is increasingly shifting away from traditional whole nut exports toward higher-value processed products. Among the fastest-growing segments were Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Cream, and Liquid Coconut Milk, which recorded growth rates of 35.34%, 40.82%, and 25.73% respectively.
Coconut shell-based activated carbon exports alone reached USD 21.73 million in February 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 68.84%. To further strengthen the industry, the government has allocated more than Rs. 3 billion for fertilizer subsidies, replanting initiatives, and disease management programmes. In line with these efforts, the Coconut Cultivation Board has set a target of producing 4.2 billion high-quality coconuts this year to meet expanding global demand.
Globally, the coconut oil market is projected to grow from USD 7.75 billion to USD 11.05 billion by 2031 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.36%. The expansion is being driven by increasing demand for clean-label cooking oils and the growing use of virgin coconut oil in cosmetics and personal care products worldwide.
Rooso Ramachandran Appointed Global CEO of EFL Global
EFL Global, a member of the SG Holdings Group, one of Japan’s leading comprehensive global logistics groups, has announced the appointment of Rooso Ramachandran as the new Global Chief Executive Officer of EFL Global, marking a significant leadership transition as part of a broader organizational realignment aimed at strengthening global integration and enhancing execution across international markets.
Rooso assumes leadership of EFL Global with extensive institutional knowledge and experience within the organization. EFL Global is a global supply chain and logistics solutions provider offering integrated services across transportation, warehousing, distribution, customs brokerage, and compliance. Operating through more than 100 offices in 39 countries, the company combines global reach with local expertise to deliver agile and customer-focused logistics solutions.
Over the past 24 years, Rooso has played a pivotal role in building and expanding the company’s India operations into a strategically important and profitable business. During his tenure, he has led key areas including commercial development, business strategy, operations, and administration, while fostering long-standing relationships with several of EFL Global’s major international clients.
He has also contributed significantly to the growth of EFL Global’s capabilities across high-growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, and perishables, enabling the company to better respond to evolving customer demands and emerging market opportunities.
With a strong understanding of the company’s operating model, culture, and long-term strategic direction, Rooso brings proven leadership experience gained across multiple stages of EFL Global’s growth journey. In his new role as Global CEO, he will focus on strengthening execution, stabilizing performance, and positioning the business for sustainable long-term growth.
Sri Lanka’s Coconut Industry Targets USD 1.5–2.5 Billion in Export Revenue
