ARTISANAL COCONUT WATER BOTTLING: ALTERNATIVES OF SMALL PRODUCERS OF THE SÃO FRANCISCO VALLEY – BRAZIL

Abstract

Coconut is recognized worldwide as a healthy and nutritious food. Most of its production is on the Asian continent. In the Americas, Brazil leads production, trading with distribution networks around the world. Northeast Brazil has a special highlight in this process. In the region are producers and distributors of great importance in the national scenario. The municipality of Petrolândia, located in Pernambuco, has an important role in this context for this state. With its production started in the late 1990s, it currently occupies the second position in the state ranking. Small producers have found in this scenario an opportunity for economic growth through the artisanal bottling of coconut water. The product has stood out geometrically in the local market and already represents an alternative for the economic growth of small producers. Some implications challenge the craft production of coconut water in the municipality, such as the performance of large producers, sanitary issues, tax and professional qualification to maintain their own business. The aim of this paper is to discuss the artisanal production of coconut water in the municipality of Petrolândia and its main impacts in the region. The research was conducted through bibliographic survey and fieldwork.