World Coconut Day Date in the current year: September 2, 2024

Coconuts are the fruit of the coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera). Even though the coconut has the word “nut” in the name, it is not a true nut, but a drupe, just like the fruit of most palms including açaí, date and oil palms. The coconut tree is native to the Central Indo-Pacific, from where it spread throughout the Asia-Pacific Region via the seaborne migrations of the Austronesian peoples. Later, European sailors introduced it to the Americas.

The edible part of the coconut is known as the coconut flesh or coconut meat. It can be eaten as is, added to various dishes, used to produce coconut milk, or grated and dried. Dried coconut, also known as dehydrated coconut or desiccated coconut, is used in various confections and desserts. Coconuts also are a source of coconut water, which should not be confused with coconut milk, and coconut oil.

According to FAO, the world’s top 10 coconut-producing countries as of 2020 were Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. Approximately 70% of all copra (dried coconut kernels) is produced by the Philippines, Indonesia and India. The Philippines and Indonesia also are the biggest coconut oil exporters.

World Coconut Day was established by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), an intergovernmental organization that represents coconut-growing countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. Its member states are Fiji, India, Indonesia, Jamaica (associate member), Kenya (associate member), Kiribati, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Vietnam. They account for more than 90% of the world’s coconut production and exports.

The date of the holiday, September 2, was chosen to commemorate the founding anniversary of the APCC. The main goals of World Coconut Day are to support the coconut industry, raise awareness of the nutritional benefits and versatility of coconuts, and promote coconuts and coconut-derived products.

How to observe World Coconut Day? You can celebrate by indulging in your favorite coconut-flavored foods, which can range from granola bars to piña colada, experimenting with recipes that use coconuts or coconut-derived ingredients, using coconut oil or products formulated with it for skin or hair care, swapping the boring dairy milk in your coffee for coconut milk, or even throwing a coconut-themed party for your family and friends. And don’t forget to promote the holiday on social media with the hashtag #WorldCoconutDay.

In the United States, National Coconut Day is celebrated alongside World Coconut Day. Created by the Coconut Coalition of America, it is observed on June 26 to celebrate coconuts, promote coconut products, and support the coconut industry.