Tulum’s Coconut Sales See Seasonal Slump

Coconut sales in Tulum have been fluctuating since the start of the year. After a promising start in January, a decline in tourism following the December holiday season has affected sales. Current demand is only at 50% of the typical rate, according to a local vendor known as “El Tigre”.

"We had a good start to the year, but the decline in tourism has affected our sales. We usually have more customers in the afternoons, but daytime sales are heavily dependent on the weather. Rainy days mean fewer customers and lower sales," El Tigre explained from his stand on Tulum's main avenue.

Vendors like El Tigre are pinning their hopes on the upcoming holiday season, especially Easter. "We're looking forward to the holiday season to boost our sales. This isn't just for us, but also for other local vendors selling crafts and other products," he added.

The price of a fresh coconut in Tulum ranges from 60 to 90 pesos, depending on the size. These coconuts are not grown locally but are primarily sourced from the Bacalar and Felipe Carrillo Puerto region.

"Coconut farming isn't common here in Tulum, so we have to source them from other regions," El Tigre noted, adding that local cultivation could lower costs and benefit both producers and consumers.

"If there was more local coconut farming, the price would drop and it would stimulate the local economy. Producers could sell their crops and we could offer more affordable prices to locals and tourists," he said. His main customers are local residents and visitors from nearby cities like Playa del Carmen and Cancún.

Currently, there are only a few street vendors selling coconut water on Tulum's main avenue. Most sales occur in restaurants, where prices can reach between 100 and 150 pesos per coconut. In the hotel area and on the beaches, prices can soar to 200 or even 250 pesos due to high tourist demand.

"We adjust our prices for locals because we understand everyone is dealing with their own financial challenges. Ultimately, it's about supporting the community," El Tigre concluded, as he prepared his stand for the upcoming holiday season, hoping for a recovery in sales and an improvement in his income.