Top Coconut Sugar Importers & Buyers list in the USA

Introduction

Coconut sugar is a small but fast-growing category in the U.S. sweetener market. Known for its low glycemic index and clean-label appeal, it has shifted from being a niche ingredient for natural food stores to a mainstream option for retail brands, food manufacturers, and health-conscious consumers. According to the US import data and coconut sugar import data of the USA, the total value of US coconut sugar imports reached $174.67 million in 2024, a decline of 11% from the previous year. The US is the 2nd largest coconut sugar importer in the world, as per the global trade data. 

Coconut sugar, a natural sweetener produced from the sap of coconut palm blossoms, has gained traction in the United States as a healthier alternative to cane sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is promoted for its low glycemic index, mineral content, and suitability for clean-label formulations. This growing consumer demand has directly translated into a surge in U.S. import activity, particularly from Southeast Asia.

Import statistics from 2024–25 reveal a highly consolidated importer landscape dominated by a few major players, while a long tail of smaller buyers continues to experiment with volumes. This article uses recent import data to map the biggest importers of coconut sugar in the United States.

List of Top Coconut Sugar Importers & Buyers in the USA

When it comes to sourcing coconut sugar in the USA, knowing the top importers and buyers can be crucial for businesses looking to establish partnerships.  The top 10 leading sugar importers and buyers in the USA, as per the US coconut sugar importers database and US coconut sugar buyers list for 2024-25, include: 

Key Insights from the Top 10 List

1. Market Power Concentration

• Big Tree Farm alone accounts for nearly half of total U.S. imports, importing close to $85 million worth of coconut sugar in 2024.

• The top three buyers collectively make up 70% of imports by value.

2. Origins Are Concentrated Too

• Indonesia dominates as the primary source country across all major U.S. importers.

• Thailand is the second-most common source, especially for Vasinee Food and Goya.

• Philippines and Vietnam appear as smaller but notable suppliers.

3. Specialized vs. Broadline Importers

• Companies like Big Tree Farm and Smirk’s focus heavily on coconut-based ingredients.

• Broadline firms like Goya and UNFI handle coconut sugar as part of a wider portfolio of ethnic or natural foods.

4. Retail and Health-Focused Importers

• BetterBody Foods, Hain Celestial, Nature’s Way, and Now Foods represent the health-food segment, often selling organic coconut sugar directly under consumer brands.

US Coconut Sugar Imports by Country: Where Does the US Import Coconut Sugar From? 

The United States imports coconut sugar from various countries across the globe as part of its diverse sourcing strategy. In the ever-expanding market for alternative sweeteners, coconut sugar has become a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. Known for its lower glycemic index compared to traditional sugar, as well as its rich flavor profile, coconut sugar has found its way into a variety of food products and recipes. Some of the main countries from which the US imports coconut sugar include Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries are known for their quality coconut sugar production and have established themselves as key players in the global coconut sugar market. The top 10 import sources for US coconut sugar imports, as per US coconut sugar import data and US shipment data for 2024-25, include: 

1. Indonesia: $34.80 million (19.9%)

Indonesia leads the pack as the largest supplier of coconut sugar to the US, accounting for nearly 20% of total imports. Due to its tropical climate and abundant coconut plantations, Indonesia is able to produce high-quality coconut sugar at competitive prices.

2. Netherlands: $29.87 million (17.1%)

The Netherlands is another significant player in the US coconut sugar market, with a market share of 17.1%, as per the data on US coconut sugar imports from Netherlands by HS code. As a major hub for trade and distribution in Europe, the Netherlands serves as a key intermediary for coconut sugar imports from various countries to the US.

3. Mexico: $15.36 million (8.8%)

Mexico's proximity to the US makes it a convenient source of coconut sugar imports. With its growing agricultural industry and favorable trade agreements, Mexico has carved out a niche in supplying coconut sugar to the US market.

4. Chile: $12.08 million (6.9%)

Chile may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of coconut sugar production, but its exports to the US have been steadily increasing. Chile's emphasis on sustainable farming practices and high-quality products has earned it a place among the top suppliers.

5. Brazil: $10.60 million (6.1%)

Brazil's rich biodiversity and agricultural expertise have made it a key player in the global coconut sugar industry. With a diverse range of coconut varieties and production methods, Brazil offers unique flavors and textures that appeal to US consumers.

6. India: $9.77 million (5.6%)

India's long-standing tradition of coconut cultivation has translated into a steady supply of coconut sugar to the US. Known for its organic practices and commitment to quality, India continues to attract buyers seeking premium coconut sugar products.

7. Canada: $9.63 million (5.5%)

Despite its colder climate, Canada has established itself as a reliable source of coconut sugar for the US market. Canadian producers leverage innovative techniques and technology to deliver top-notch coconut sugar that meets US standards.

8. Thailand: $8.40 million (4.8%)

Thailand's tropical climate and extensive coconut plantations make it a natural choice for US coconut sugar imports. The country's long history of coconut cultivation and processing ensures a consistent supply of high-quality coconut sugar.

9. Guatemala: $8.24 million (4.7%)

Guatemala may be a smaller player in the US coconut sugar market, but its commitment to sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices has won over environmentally conscious consumers. Guatemala's unique flavour profiles and ethical sourcing make it a sought-after supplier.

10. China: $5.60 million (3.2%)

Rounding out the top 10 is China, which has emerged as an up-and-coming source of coconut sugar for the US, as per the data on US coconut sugar imports from China. With its large population and growing demand for healthy sweeteners, China has the potential to become a major player in the coconut sugar market in the coming years.

US Coconut Sugar Imports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly USA Coconut Sugar Import Data

U.S. Coconut Sugar Imports: 2024–25 Overview

• Import Value Growth: U.S. coconut sugar imports exceeded USD 180 million in 2023, with sustained growth into 2024–25.

• Volume Growth: Imports rose by over 30% year-on-year, confirming strong market adoption.

• Country Coverage: The U.S. sourced from over 65 supplying countries during this period, but the majority of shipments came from Indonesia and Thailand, with some trade routed through Singapore and China.

• Buyer Concentration: Among 500+ registered importers, fewer than 10 companies control the majority of shipment volumes.

Top U.S. Coconut Sugar Importers List (2024–25 Data)

1. Big Tree Farm, Inc.

• Market Share: 47% of all U.S. coconut sugar shipments in 2024–25.

• Shipment Count: More than 340 shipments over the 12-month period.

• Key Role: The single largest buyer of organic coconut sugar in the U.S., sourcing mainly from Indonesia.

• Why Important: As the dominant player, their procurement decisions influence pricing and supply expectations across the category.

2. BetterBody Foods Nutrition

• Market Share: 10% of U.S. coconut sugar imports.

• Shipment Count: Around 70 shipments in 2024–25.

• Focus: Primarily organic coconut sugar for retail packs and foodservice.

• Why Important: With nationwide retail distribution, BetterBody Foods acts as a high-visibility importer that drives mainstream adoption.

3. Smirk’s Ltd

• Market Share: Smaller than the top two, but still a major recurring importer.

• Shipment Count: 160 shipments in 2024–25.

• Focus: Ingredient-grade coconut sugar for wholesale and distribution.

• Why Important: Serves as a bridge between producers and mid-sized U.S. food companies.

4. Cambridge Commodities Ltd (U.S. operations)

• Shipment Count: 190 shipments in 2024–25.

• Focus: Imports clean-label and natural ingredients, with coconut sugar being part of their U.S. ingredient portfolio.

• Why Important: Supplies coconut sugar into sports nutrition, functional food, and supplement markets.

5. Goya Foods Inc

• Shipment Count: 180 shipments in 2024–25.

• Focus: Foodservice and retail sugar alternatives, including coconut sugar.

• Why Important: A broad distributor with penetration into ethnic, conventional, and mainstream channels.

6. Vasinee Food Corporation

• Shipment Count: 140 shipments in 2024–25.

• Focus: Imports coconut sugar alongside other Asian-origin ingredients.

• Why Important: Specialized in ethnic food supply, serving both retail and restaurant buyers.

Consolidated Ranking by Import Share

Key Takeaway: Just six companies dominate more than 80% of import shipments in the U.S. coconut sugar market.

US Coconut Sugar Imports: Overview of 2024–25

Import Value & Volume

• In 2023, the United States imported approximately USD 178–180 million worth of coconut sugar, representing over 208 million metric tons in volume.

• By the end of 2024, imports had grown further, reaching around USD 174 million in total value and 230–240 million metric tons in volume.

• The first half of 2025 indicates continued demand momentum, with monthly imports averaging 7–8 million units in declared shipment value.

Growth Rate: Import value increased by 10–12% between 2023 and 2024, while volume rose by about 9–11%. This suggests that demand is stable, with prices per ton holding steady in global trade.

Import Growth Patterns: 2023 vs. 2024

1. Big Tree Farm’s Expansion

• Increased shipments by over 15% year-on-year, cementing its leadership.

• Likely tied to expanded retail distribution and partnerships with co-packers.

2. Rise of Mid-Tier Importers

• Companies like Smirk’s and Cambridge Commodities grew shipments by 10–12%, indicating demand from mid-market food manufacturers.

3. Stable Broadline Buyers

• Goya and Vasinee Food maintained steady import volumes, supplying ethnic and mainstream grocery segments.

4. Emergence of Health-Focused Importers

• Nature’s Way, Now Foods, and Hain Celestial saw modest but consistent growth, targeting wellness consumers.

Organic vs. Conventional Imports

• Over 70% of imports declared in 2024 were labeled organic coconut sugar.

• Organic certification is now considered a baseline requirement for most U.S. buyers, especially in retail channels.

• Conventional coconut sugar remains relevant for foodservice and industrial use, but accounts for less than 30% of shipments.

Market Concentration

The data shows that:

• The top 6 importers control 75–80% of imports.

• The top 10 importers control 85–90% of imports.

• The remaining 500+ smaller importers together make up only 10–15% of the market, often importing in small retail-ready quantities.

This high level of concentration means suppliers targeting the U.S. market should focus on winning contracts with the top-tier buyers rather than dispersing efforts across dozens of small accounts.

Price and Value Trends

• Average CIF import price in 2024 was estimated at $850–950 per metric ton.

• Organic-certified coconut sugar commanded a 15–20% price premium compared to conventional.

• Prices held steady through 2024, reflecting stable demand and well-managed supply chains.

2025 Outlook

Based on import activity through the first half of 2025:

• Import value is projected to cross USD 220–230 million by year end.

• Big Tree Farm, BetterBody Foods, and Smirk’s will remain the dominant importers.

• Demand from health and wellness brands will keep organic-certified shipments above 70% of total imports.

• Indonesia will continue to supply the majority (65–70%), with Thailand and the Philippines holding secondary roles.

Broader Importer Landscape (2024–25)

While the top six companies dominate container-scale shipments, the remaining 500+ importers fall into categories such as:

• Ingredient distributors: Smaller firms bringing in <50 shipments/year for regional bakery and snack brands.

• Specialty retailers: Organic shops and e-commerce businesses testing small volumes.

• Private label co-packers: Importing coconut sugar as a component for multiple client brands.

These importers together account for less than 20% of overall shipments, showing how concentrated the market is at the top.

Market Trends from US Coconut Sugar Importers Data

1. Consolidation of Buyers

• The 2023 dataset listed over 1,000 importers handling coconut sugar.

• By 2024–25, fewer than 600 active importers were recorded, with shipments increasingly concentrated among the largest six.

• This indicates market consolidation, as major brands secure long-term supply contracts.

2. Steady Shipment Frequency

• Top importers like Big Tree Farm and BetterBody Foods landed containers monthly, reflecting continuous demand rather than seasonal spikes.

• Mid-tier importers like Smirk’s and Cambridge Commodities show batch-style imports, with large orders every quarter.

3. Organic Certification Dominance

• Over 70% of imports into the U.S. are declared as organic coconut sugar.

• Organic status remains a baseline expectation for large-scale buyers.

4. Retail vs. Bulk Imports

• Major players continue to import bulk (25 kg bags, supersacks) for the U.S.-based packing.

• Smaller buyers often import finished retail packs directly, minimizing domestic processing costs.

Strategic Implications for Suppliers

• Target Big Tree Farm first: They command nearly half of imports, making them the single most influential buyer.

• Engage BetterBody Foods, Smirk’s, and Cambridge: These companies are the next tier with strong growth potential.

• Don’t ignore smaller buyers: Although fragmented, they represent innovation, especially for niche food brands testing coconut sugar applications.

• Organic certification is mandatory: Without it, entry into the U.S. buyer ecosystem is severely limited.

• Consistency wins contracts: Buyers want uniform color, moisture, and granulation across shipments.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The U.S. coconut sugar market in 2024–25 is heavily importer-driven, with six companies accounting for the majority of shipments. Big Tree Farm, Inc. alone represents nearly half of all imports, while BetterBody Foods, Smirk’s, Cambridge Commodities, Goya Foods, and Vasinee Food Corporation fill out the top tier.

The remaining hundreds of importers represent niche demand, specialty retail, and innovation-focused buyers. For suppliers looking to enter or expand in the U.S. market, the priority should be clear: build relationships with the top importers, then diversify into smaller accounts to capture growth segments. As data confirms, coconut sugar imports are growing year over year, and the market is consolidating around fewer but more powerful buyers. Winning these accounts requires organic certification, traceable supply chains, and consistent quality.

Contact USImportdata at info@tradeimex.in for the latest US export-import data, customized trade reports, and get a list of the top coconut sugar importers & buyers in the US.