As a fruit/drupe, coconuts are naturally vegan-friendly. They are the perfect alternative for those who are either lactose intolerant or living a vegan lifestyle.
However, harvesting techniques used by some suppliers involve cruelty to monkeys which has been widely criticised by PETA and many of our local supermarkets.
Monkeys used for Coconut Harvesting
These harvesting techniques involve capturing or breeding monkeys purely to harvest the fruit.
The monkeys are tethered to their handler or a rubber tyre and they are trained (usually via punishment) to climb and pick up to 1000 coconuts a day. Humans can only pick around 80.
When not being used, the monkeys are then kept in small cages or kept tied to their handler. If they showed signs of aggression, because of stress, their canine teeth are taken.
Taking a Stand Against Animal Cruelty
Many supermarkets including Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado and Co-op along with beauty chain Boots have decided to stop using any coconut producers that use this technique. However, there are still some out there who do not check their sources.
This is the same with many coconut suppliers to manufacturers and food services. The coconut used in ready meals, within restaurants and in drinks may still use coconuts harvested cruelly.
Contamination of Coconut Powder
Some coconut powder suppliers use the technique of adding sodium caseinate to their products as an emulsifier.
Sodium caseinate is a dairy protein found in milk products.
Using this technique creates an issue for many customers, especially when they are promoting their goods as vegan certified.
Quality Suppliers, Quality Coconut Ingredients.
Brusco Food Group only uses the best factories. Each one goes through a rigorous investigation process, so we know every step of the journey of our ingredients, from harvest to delivery.
Our factory’s plantation accounts for a high percentage of the agricultural output. Their farms follow strict standards to ensure that all coconut produce is of the highest quality.
All our coconut ingredients are guaranteed to not use by monkeys during the harvest. They also guarantee an ethical, sustainable coconut milk powder with absolutely no dairy and are Kosher and Halal certified.
Talk to the team about Vegan-Friendly Coconuts
If you are unsure of where your ingredients are coming from, and need peace of mind, talk to our team today at 01386 761 555 or email info@brusco.co.uk. Find a list of our vegan-friendly coconut ingredients here.
We understand our product, we know our suppliers and we can offer an open, confident and honest overview of every product we have.
