The extra virgin coconut oil (evco) is produced from the cold-pressed extract of  matured coconut  meat or kernel by purely mechanical method. The term " extra virgin" is borrowed from the  " extra virgin olive oil" which is produced in similar fashion. The extra virgin coconut oil produced in this project differs significantly from most virgin coconut oils (vco) presently available in the market in terms of processing ( vco is low-heat treated, while evco is not ), consistency ( vco is thicker ), aroma and taste (evco tastes better). Laboratory analysis through Gas-Liquid Chromatography will settle the issue on the chemical composition of both products. Both oils, however, look  the same as clear white oil.

The principal uses of  virgin coconut oil are the following:

·        as the cooking oil of choice by health-conscious consumers especially those with cardio-vascular illness;

·        basic ingredient in the manufacture of soap, shampoo, cosmetics and skin care products;

·        as carrier or base oil in the making of  therapeutic oils ( mixed with essential oils) used for aromatheraphy in the Spa industry;

·        diesel fuel substitute ( coco methyl ester or coco diesel);

·        as anti-microbial medicine in bacterial, fungal and viral infections such as HIV, Herpes, Cytomegalovirus, STD, dandruff, and skin infections.

The by-products from the manufacture of  extra virgin coco oil can be re-processed into  a.) coconut flour,  b.) animal feeds and  C.) charcoal. These can be produced in commercial quantities to provide additional income for the organization and its beneficiaries.  

BUSINESS BACKGROUND

Recent scientific findings on the health benefits of  virgin coconut oil contributed to the current demand and interest on the product, both locally and internationally. Studies have shown that virgin coco oil has effective anti-microbial actions against certain types of  bacteria, fungi and viruses such as Aids virus, herpes, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, flu virus, etc. When used as cooking oil, it has been found to be beneficial for people with cardio-vascular ailments ( heart disease, high blood, etc.), contrary to western belief. Its saturated fats is mostly  medium chain triglyceride which is completely metabolized in the human body, and does not contribute to the build-up of cholesterol and destructive free radicals, unlike other fats and oils.

Today, many Filipino entrepreneurs have embarked on the manufacture of virgin coco oil to supply growing demand.  With coconut trees growing all over the country, this business enterprise is quite easy to undertake as the technical and supply requirements are cheaply  available.

THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

The Nationwide Association of Consumers (NACI), Inc. has developed its own cold - press technology in the production of  extra virgin coco oil.  The process is actually a simple one involving the following steps:

a)     Dehusking, grating, pressing and filtering;

b)     Ferment the cream or milk to separate the oil from the water. A clear, white oil develops on top of the solid part with the water at the bottom;

c)      Take out the oil, and place it in separate container;

d)     Place the oil in a centrifuge to remove the remaining water and protein;

e)     The final product is a clear white oil with a thin consistency and fresh coconut aroma.

 This is the NACI Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ( NEVCO) ready for the market.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Six months after the onset of oil production, the organization will embark on project expansion by  producing:

·        Coconut flour  from the dried kernel after extraction of  its milk;

·        Coco diesel or Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) for local use;

·        Virgin Coco Oil with Lemongrass Essential Oil  as a more effective anti-microbial/ anti-bacterial medicine than pure Virgin Coco Oil;

·        Herbal soap and herbal shampoo, using our own virgin coco oil and lemongrass essential oil with its hydrolat produced by our sister organization, Gold In Grass Corporation.

Women Cooperatives in Albay will be organized to handle each of the above project components. The Training Department of NACI will conduct training seminars and transfer of technology in collaboration with Technicians from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Technology & Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC). The Department Of Trade & Industry with whom NACI has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), will assist in the marketing of the products locally and internationally.

 SALES AND PROMOTION

NACI  will participate in various Trade Exhibits nationwide such as those held in the following venues :

·        World Trade Center - Metro Manila

·        Phil. Trade & Training Center - Metro Manila

·        Mega Trade Hall, SM Megamall - Metro Manila

·        Provincial Trade Fairs - various provinces

·        Hotels and Tourism outlets

A  website in the internet will be opened for promoting our products worldwide.

Initially, the participants and beneficiaries of this project will buy some of the products for their own consumption. The bulk , however, will be sold to the mother organization,NACI, for sales distribution to various chapters and affiliated organizations nationwide.