Coconut oil is commercially available in three main grades: virgin (cold-pressed), RBD (refined), and fractionated (MCT-rich). Each is suited to different manufacturing applications. The Philippines and Indonesia are the dominant supply origins, accounting for over 60% - 70% of global production. Compare coconut oil suppliers and coconut oil manufacturers on Nutrada by grade, origin, certification, and MOQ.
Coconut oil is a plant-based fat extracted from dried coconut meat (copra) or fresh coconut flesh. It solidifies below roughly 24°C, which is worth noting for storage and logistics planning. In food manufacturing, coconut oil is used in confectionery (as a cocoa butter alternative), bakery, plant-based dairy products like vegan cheese and ice cream, and functional foods. It is also common in cosmetics and personal care.
Coconut oil comes in different types, each designed for specific uses in businesses and stores:
Unlike seasonal crops such as sunflower or rapeseed, coconut palms produce fruit year-round in tropical climates. This means coconut oil does not experience the sharp seasonal price swings seen in other vegetable oils. However, monsoon seasons in the Philippines and Indonesia (roughly June–September) can temporarily affect logistics and copra drying quality. Buyers sourcing large volumes should factor in possible shipping delays during these months.
Most coconut oil comes from Asian countries, which makes up 85% of coconut products, including oil. The major countries include:
Vietnam and Papua New Guinea are emerging as secondary supply sources, particularly for RBD oil.
Coconut oil has played a significant role in the cultures of South and Southeast Asia for many years. It's commonly used for cooking and skincare. Nowadays, it has become a key player in the global oils and fats market. The demand for coconut oil is on the rise as more people seek out plant-based and additive-free options. It's also a favorite in natural beauty products and wellness routines.
One interesting thing about coconut oil is that it remains solid at cooler temperatures, which makes it ideal for certain culinary and cosmetic applications. When creating healthy fat blends, manufacturers often find themselves comparing coconut oil to omega-rich oils like flaxseed and chia.
Nutrada provides a simple platform to help you get high-quality oil straight from coconut oil producers. Whether you need virgin, refined, or MCT oil, Nutrada connects you with trusted exporters who guarantee reliable quality and good conditions.
Bulk coconut oil is typically shipped in 190 kg steel drums, flexibags, or ISO tank containers for large volumes (18–24 metric tons). RBD coconut oil is often shipped in liquid form from origin, and stored in heated tanks at destination to prevent solidification. Virgin coconut oil in bulk is usually packed in drums or IBC totes with nitrogen flushing to preserve freshness. Shelf life ranges from 12 months (VCO) to 24 months (RBD). Buyers should confirm whether pricing is quoted CIF or FOB, as freight from Southeast Asia can significantly affect the landed price. On Nutrada, you can filter coconut oil suppliers by grade, packaging format, and certification.
Private label coconut oil is most commonly sold as virgin coconut oil in glass jars (300 ml, 500 ml, 1 liter) for retail health food and organic channels. Key specifications to discuss with your supplier include whether the oil is centrifuge-extracted or cold-pressed (this affects flavor and pricing), and whether the packaging handles both solid and liquid states, coconut oil expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can cause leakage in unsuitable containers. Minimum order quantities for private label coconut oil typically start at 500–1,000 units per SKU. Nutrada lists suppliers offering private label coconut oil with custom branding and packaging options.
Organic coconut oil (certified under EU Organic, USDA NOP, or both) is in growing demand for natural foods and personal care. The Philippines and Sri Lanka are the primary origins, with Sri Lanka commanding a premium due to established smallholder certification programs. When sourcing, verify whether the supplier holds dual EU/USDA certification (important for multi-market products) and request a Certificate of Inspection (COI), organic transaction certificates, and COAs covering moisture, free fatty acid content, and peroxide value.
Nutrada's online platform makes it easy to find high-quality coconut oil. You can get in touch with reliable coconut oil suppliers from around the world, check detailed product info, and compare certifications all in one place. Sign up now to enhance your coconut oil sourcing process and buy directly from producers.
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