Thai coconut nectar firm eyes Asia, UAE amid functional food boom

Coconut sugar made from coconut flower nectar can be used for baking.
Coconut sugar made from coconut flower nectar can be used for baking. (Chiwadi)

Thailand’s Chiwadi taps demand for clean label functional foods in markets new to coconut nectar, with focus on Asia and the UAE

The company currently exports to the US and is looking to expand in Asia and the UAE, citing growing interest in natural products with health benefits.

There is growing focus on health-focused creations in Asia and the Middle East, and an increasing number of proactive health-conscious consumers in the US seeking products with health benefits.

“Our target consumers are generally educated individuals who care about health, including those with allergies, or who are managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. Our products are mild and suitable for these groups,” Chiwadi founder Sarapee Yuadyong told us.

“The US and UAE markets are attractive because innovations derived from coconuts – especially coconut flower products – are still rare. They require some consumer education to be appreciated as lifestyle products.”

Extracted from the sap of coconut flower buds, coconut nectar serves as a versatile natural sweetener for various food and beverage applications.

Coconut nectar uses and benefits

Beyond the nectar itself, the firm has developed fermented derivatives such as coconut cider vinegar, sauces, and dressings.

“Coconut flower nectar offers natural sweetness with a gentle, pleasant taste suitable for a wide range of uses – in bread, cooking, baking, coffee, and other beverages,” said Yuadyong.

The firm also ferments the nectar into coconut cider vinegar, which researchers have compared against apple cider vinegar and reported promising results, said Yuadyong.

“We also produce coconut aminos, stir-fry sauces, marinades, and various salad dressings derived from the nectar,” she added.

Chiwadi Organic Coconut Aminos Sauce is made from coconut nectar and designed as a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce; Coconut syrup can be used as a natural sweetener for coffee and tea.
Chiwadi Organic Coconut Aminos Sauce is made from coconut nectar and designed as a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce; Coconut syrup can be used as a natural sweetener for coffee and tea. (Chiwadi)

Chiwadi collaborated with the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University to study coconut nectar’s health benefits. Findings were referenced in a paper assessing the safety of coconut-derived ingredients in cosmetics.

Historically, coconut nectar has been used across Southeast Asia – particularly in India, Indonesia, and Thailand – as a traditional sweetener for desserts.

In a separate pilot study not affiliated to Chiwadi, researchers found that coconut sugar from the coconut flower sap could help reduce blood pressure and stiff arteries in older adults.

To reach a wider audience, the firm has launched beverages and snacks designed to combine modern formats with traditional benefits.

Blending tradition with convenient nutrition

Under its retail brand Fruii, Chiwadi offers low-GI sparkling coconut cider drinks containing 35% vitamin C and amino acids.

The firm says these beverages support weight control, muscle gain, anti-ageing, detoxification, and better sleep.

Fruii sparkling coconut cider is available in three tropical flavours: lychee, original, and yuzu. Its gummies are similarly positioned as functional snacks for young and old.
Fruii sparkling coconut cider is available in three tropical flavours: lychee, original, and yuzu. Its gummies are similarly positioned as functional snacks for young and old. (Chiwadi)

According to Yuadyong, Chiwadi has conducted three clinical trials that are not yet published. One three-month study involving daily Fruii gummy consumption reported improvements in antioxidant status and arterial health, as well as reductions in subcutaneous fat reflected by smaller waist, hip, and arm measurements.

The study also noted improved digestive comfort among participants, suggesting the snack could appeal to both children and adults as a healthy, family-friendly option.

Chiwadi has diversified into cosmetics with a new line of face toners and cleansing gels made from coconut flower dewdrop and is developing a serum following positive initial sales. The firm is also seeking global sales partners to expand its reach and promote what it calls “coconut flower power”.