After milk, ghee, oil and water, it is now the turn of `tender coconut water' to get into satchets, thanks to Defence Food Research Laboratories (DFRL) for developing the technology.Each satchet will cost around Rs 10 to 15 per pack and the shelf life is five months. Two Bangalore-based firms -- Southern Tall Tree Products and Jain Agro Food Products Pvt Ltd have decided to sell the tender coconut water in satchets with the help of Coconut Development Board (CDB) of Kochi. But they are trying to market it mainly in Northern India.The Board, which has been toying with the idea of making the tender coconut water easy potable for the last few years, struck the right note by joining hands with the DRFL. Even then, it took three to four years for DFRL scientists to taste success. Later, the Board declared its readiness to share the technology Then came these promoters. Of course, they have to shell out Rs 3 lakh for the technology. This will be shared between CDB and DFRL equally.According to CDB chairman Aravindakshan they are also planning to sell tender coconut water in cans like beer and soft drinks.

``We had already test marketed it for nine months in Bangalore and Calcutta and found that it was accepted by the customers. As of now, our task is to give away the technology to all those who are willing to accept it.

Thereafter, it will be the promoter's job to market it.''Jain Agro director Ajay Jain told #j‹#j#The Indian Express ë/ƒÄÄ &˙ˇthat they will be selling the product under the brand name `Cocojal' and it will be in the market in the next three months from now.Jain said that they will be concentrating more on the Northern parts of the country as it was difficult to get tender coconut water there. ``We have already installed the machinery and it was supplied by Pakona Engg. Our target is to manufacturer 10,000 packs per month,'' he added.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.