1. What role does the copra sector play in the economy of French Polynesia, especially in the most remote archipelagos?
The copra sector is essential because it provides income to people living in the most remote islands and valleys, including the Marquesas. Thanks to copra production, these communities can remain where they are instead of relocating to Tahiti in search of work. The shipping network connects these islands, allowing producers to sell their copra and sustain local economies. Without copra, many of these populations would likely leave their islands.
2. Can you present the activities of Huilerie de Tahiti and its role in processing copra and structuring the local economy?
We receive copra transported by ships from across Polynesia. Our facility is strategically located near the port, allowing efficient logistics. We separate copra into two types: “mountain” copra from the high islands and “coral” copra from the Tuamotu atolls.
The copra is stored, then transferred to the factory where it is crushed and pressed to extract oil. We produce two main raw oils, which are exported to France for use in food and cosmetics. We also refine oil locally for monoï production and produce copra meal for animal feed.
Additionally, we partner with a company in the Marquesas to produce virgin coconut oil. Polynesian copra is unique because it is dried naturally in the sun for several days, which gives it exceptional quality, highly valued by major cosmetic brands.
3. What is the concrete impact of this industry on local communities and producers’ incomes?
The impact is very direct. In remote islands where there are no banks, we provide cash through ships that purchase copra on-site. This gives producers immediate income, allowing them to buy essential goods either on the boats or in local shops. It’s a vital economic lifeline.
4. How do you position Polynesian coconut oil on international markets, particularly in the United States?
Currently, we do not sell directly in the United States. Our markets are mainly France, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Our production volume is limited, so the French market is sufficient for now. Expansion could happen in the future, but it would likely involve partners, especially those producing monoï.
5. What differentiates Tahitian coconut oil in premium market segments?
The key difference lies in our production method. Our copra is dried exclusively in the sun for at least six days. Unlike other countries that use ovens or smoke drying, our natural method preserves higher quality, which translates into superior oil.
6. Sustainability is a major concern globally. What practices do you implement to ensure responsible production?
Our approach is very sustainable. Coconut trees were planted over a century ago, and we maintain them rather than expanding aggressively. In fact, only a small percentage of available coconut resources is used.
We also wait for coconuts to fall naturally instead of harvesting them from trees, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Aging trees are either replaced or left to complete their natural lifecycle.
7. How does your activity fit into a circular economy model?
Copra production supports the entire logistics ecosystem. Ships travel to remote islands partly because of copra collection, and in doing so, they also deliver essential goods to these communities. So copra enables both economic activity and supply chains, creating a circular dynamic across the islands.
8. What innovations are you currently developing, particularly in food or cosmetics?
While we do not directly manufacture finished cosmetic or food products, our oil is used by companies that do. Our focus now is on developing virgin coconut oil and potentially coconut milk for local consumption. Expanding into these areas will depend on increasing our production capacity.
9. What are the main challenges you face in terms of competitiveness and logistics?
Competing with major producers like Indonesia or the Philippines is difficult due to higher costs in Polynesia. That’s why we focus on quality rather than volume. Our premium, sun-dried copra allows us to stand out.
France’s global reputation in cosmetics also strengthens demand for our oil. In fact, if we could produce significantly more, the market would absorb it.
10. Finally, what message would you like to share with readers of the Los Angeles Times about French Polynesia and its coconut industry?
I would encourage readers to visit French Polynesia and see the copra industry firsthand. It exists across all islands, from the Marquesas to the Tuamotu, even in highly touristic places like Bora Bora.
Visitors can explore how copra is produced and even tour our factory, where we offer weekly visits. It’s a unique opportunity to witness a sustainable, inclusive economic model rooted in tradition and community.
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