Serendipol was set up in 2007 with support from Dr. Bronner’s to produce organic and fair trade certified coconut oil. They now work with more than 1,200 farmers and process 30 million coconuts a year into virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut flour, coconut flakes and chips, and coconut water. All parts of the coconut are used. Husks are sold and processed into fiber for ropes, doormats, and erosion control, shells are burned to provide biomass energy or sold to produce charcoal and activated carbon, and the oil cake is sold for animal feed. Serendipol supports farmers to transition to regenerative organic methods that enrich the soil, promote biodiversity, improve yields, sequester atmospheric carbon, and increase resilience. Workers have opportunities for personal and professional development and enjoy conditions and compensation above the industry average. The fair trade committee, which includes farmers, workers, and management, has funded nearly 1,000 projects including initial subsidies for compost production, medical equipment for rural clinics, school renovation and vocational training for disadvantaged youth, home improvement grants, restoration of water reservoirs, rural infrastructure, and support for local community groups.
