...the 'America's healthiest drink'

'America's healthiest drink' is made in the Philippines

by Cathy Rose Garcia,

abs-cbnNEWS.com

08/24/2011

 

 

'America's healthiest drink'

MANILA, Philippines - An organic coconut water drink once named by Health magazine as "America's healthiest beverage" is proudly made in the Philippines.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo told ABS-CBN News that O.N.E. organic coconut water is manufactured in the Philippines but is sold in export markets such as the US.

The product was praised as an example of how the Philippines' coconut product exports can be packaged in an attractive way for the foreign export markets.

O.N.E. organic coconut water is made with coconuts from the Philippines and packaged in shiny blue Tetra Pak cartons. The stylish but eco-friendly Tetra Pak packaging allows the coconut water to remain fresh and can be stored for months without refrigeration.

According to its website, the coconut water drink is a product of O.N.E. One Natural Experience, an all-natural beverage company founded by Brazilian businessman Rodrigo Veloso. He launched the company in Los Angeles, and introduced O.N.E. organic coconut water at Whole Food Markets in 2006.

The drink quickly became the number one alternative beverage sold in the supermarket chain's outlets in southern California.

The website said Health magazine even named the drink as "America's healthiest beverage" for providing enhanced hydration, essential nutrition and all five essential electrolytes (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium).

A dozen 11-oz O.N.E. coconut drinks is being sold for $21 on Amazon.com.

Coconut products are one of the Philippines' top exports.

As of June 2011, the Department of Trade and Industry reported a 14.9% decline in exports of coconut products year-on-year mainly due to supply restrictions.

However, year-to-date sales improved by 48% because of improvements in exports of higher value-added products such as coconut oil and desiccated coconut.

In contrast, lower value-added products such as copra and copra meal or cake declined by 43% and 19% respectively.

"These data reflect the path of coconut sector towards moving up more export products in the value chain as contained in the Philippine Export Development Plan 2011-2013," the DTI said.