Economic Analysis of Traditional vs Value-Added Coconut Products in Coimbatore City

A member of the Arecaceae family, Cocos nucifera (commonly known as the coconut palm) is widely cultivated in tropical regions across the world. Traditional coconut products such as raw copra, coconut oil, and fresh coconuts are compared with value-added coconut products including coconut milk powder, desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil, coconut-based snacks, and coconut-derived cosmeticss. It uses a mixed-methods approach, which includes surveying 50 producers and traders, conducting interviews, and making field observations. The research examines production scale, cost structures, quality control practices, supply chain efficiency, marketing channels, pricing, consumer demand trends, and growth challenges .The results reveal that value-added producers earn higher per-unit profits, reach a wider range of markets, and build stronger brands. However, they also deal with higher costs related to capital, technology, and regulations. Traditional producers enjoy lower startup costs and stable local demand, but they face thinner margins and limited market access. The study ends with specific recommendations to improve the capacity for value-added products, strengthen links between smallholders and processors, and create local policies that support inclusive growth in Coimbatore's coconut sector.