The journey of Nata de Coco: how GC Food brings Vietnam’s coconuts to the world

Author:

Ms. Lê Thị Ánh Trinh 01-12-2025

☰ Table of contents

Now Nata de Coco is not only a chewy topping in drinks but also an export from Vietnam. In Bến Tre, which is the heart of the coconut land GC Food saw a way to give new life to coconut water. What people often poured away before is now turned into a product enjoyed in many countries and it shows the taste of Vietnam and the effort of the farmers.

1. Nata de Coco - from waste to worth

For many generations, coconuts have been part of daily life in Vietnam especially in the Mekong Delta. People used the meat for sweet oil and traditional dishes but the water even full of minerals and amino acids was usually left aside or thrown away after the meat was taken.

GC Food did not want to see this water wasted. One day Chairman Nguyễn Văn Thứ asked why we throw it away if it is good for health and why we don't make it into something that also helps the farmers. From that question came the idea to make coconut jelly on a big scale.

2. Building a steady future for Vietnam’s coconut industry

2.1 Commitment to growth with care

In 2015, GC Food built the Vinacoco factory in Đồng Nai. This was more than just a place to make Nata de Coco. It marked the start of a new chapter for Vietnam’s coconut water, turning it from something ordinary into a product with real value.

The Vinacoco factory marks an important milestone in the development of Vietnam’s nata de coco industry.

With modern equipment, GC Food keeps finding ways to improve the quality of coconut jelly. At the same time, the company works to secure steady coconut-growing areas so production can last and grow in a responsible way.

2.2 Working hand in hand with local farmers

Making coconut water into an export product has opened new chances for thousands of farming families. Through long-term cooperation, GC Food helps farmers earn better income while keeping their harvests steady in Bến Tre and nearby provinces.

Bến Tre, known as Vietnam’s “land of coconuts”, has more than 72,000 hectares of trees, making up about 42% of the country’s total area. This steady supply gives the Vinacoco factory enough coconuts to keep production running all year.

Because of efficient production, GC Food soon gained recognition. The company received awards like the National Outstanding Industry and Trade Product in 2022 and 2023 along with the OCOP 4-star rating. In 2023, output reached more than 8,500 tons of coconut jelly (32% higher than the year before) while revenue rose by 34%.

3. Keeping coconut jelly to international standards

A big strength of GC Food is its careful quality control. The Vinacoco factory in the Ho Nai Industrial Park, Đồng Nai, covers more than 11,000 m² and is now the most modern place in Vietnam for making Nata de Coco. Each year, it handles about 6 million liters of coconut water which go through 15 – 20 days of natural fermentation and 17 careful processing steps.

Every step, from cleaning, fermenting, washing, cutting, boiling, soaking in syrup to packing, is carefully checked. Pasteurization helps the coconut jelly stay chewy and crunchy while keeping it safe to eat.

The processing of GC Food’s coconut jelly follows international standards.

GC Food also uses IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) technology. This keeps the Nata de Coco fresh in taste and texture, makes it last longer and helps it stay high-quality even on long trips overseas without needing any additives.

GC Food’s Nata de Coco has certifications such as FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP and Halal. These allow the products to pass strict rules for export to markets like Japan, South Korea and the European Union.

4. Taking Nata de Coco to global consumers

For coconut jelly to enter international markets, it has to pass strict safety and nutrition tests. GC Food’s export success proves that Vietnamese farm products can compete strongly worldwide.

GC Food is now looking to enter bigger markets like China, India, and Indonesia. As more people want foods that are low in calories, rich in fiber and good for health, Nata de Coco has the chance to become a popular choice in these countries.

5. More coconut jelly products, more value for Vietnam’s agriculture

GC Food now offers many kinds of Nata de Coco to serve both local and overseas customers. The products keep their natural taste and can be used in drinks, desserts, healthy diets and even modern cooking.

5.1 Products for Consumers

Convenient, ready-to-use coconut jelly for households or as toppings for drinks and desserts:

Pura Young coconut jelly: Pure, sugar-free, nutrient-rich, ideal for dieting, 'eat clean,' and healthy lifestyles.
Coconut Flavor coconut jelly: Mildly creamy and refreshing flavor from fresh coconut meat, perfect for sweet soups, ice cream, and various desserts.
Caramel coconut jelly: A deep, sweet flavor with a hint of aromatic caramel, ideal for bubble tea, iced milk coffee, and creative drinks.
Pineapple Flavor coconut jelly: Mildly sour and sweet, offering a refreshing tropical sensation, suitable for smoothies, juices, and fruit cocktails.
Grape Flavor coconut jelly: Mildly sweet with a subtle grape aroma, adding a twist to drinks and sweet treats.

GC Food offers a wide range of packaged nata de coco products, tailored to different needs and uses.

5.2 Ingredient Products for the B2B Industry

GC Food also consults on and sells nata de coco ingredients tailored for the F&B industry:

Signature coconut jelly: Premium quality with perfect chewiness and a natural sweetness from fresh coconut water.
Diced coconut jelly: Uniform small cubes, convenient as a topping for bubble tea, sweet soups, and smoothies.
Shaped coconut jelly: Eye-catching shapes like stars, hearts, and long strands, adding creativity and appeal to food and beverages.
Mixed coconut jelly: A combination of various nata de cocos in one product, offering diverse colors, flavors, and textures.
Pressed coconut jelly: Firm texture and easy to store—suitable for factories and brands needing a stable and bulk supply.
Fruit-Flavored coconut jelly: Naturally flavored with pineapple, mango, grape, and strawberry, refreshing, ideal for mixed drinks or tropical desserts.
Caramel coconut jelly: Distinctly rich, sweet flavor, a favorite topping for bubble tea, iced milk coffee, and modern beverages.
Retail Packaged coconut jelly: Pre-packed bags or jars, convenient for supermarkets and retail stores.

From simple, often forgotten cup jellies, nata de coco toppings have now become a widespread product in food, beverages, and desserts. With a long-term vision, GC Food continues to lead the way, bringing Vietnamese products to even more markets around the world.

GC Food Communications Department Ms. Lê Thị Ánh Trinh

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Specializing in compiling and sharing in-depth knowledge on aloe vera and coconut jelly ingredients and production processes. Directly responsible for developing content on GC Food’s product quality, sourcing regions, and product standards.

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Where to buy nata de coco? Trusted bulk nata de coco supplier

When businesses search for where to buy nata de coco, wholesale buyers often prioritize consistent quality and a reliable long-term supply. While raw nata de coco is available from wholesale markets, F&B ingredient distributors, and factories, finding a supplier that meets food safety standards and maintains stable quality can still be challenging.

How to make pandan jelly with young coconut and nata de coco at home

Making pandan jelly sweet soup with young coconut and nata de coco is actually much simpler than it sounds. With just a few easy-to-find ingredients plus a bit of free time, you can make a refreshing dessert with soft-crunchy jelly, with the gentle aroma of pandan leaves and a naturally sweet coconut flavor. It’s the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day, so let’s get cooking!

Is raw nata de coco good for you? Who should avoid eating it?

The answer to the question “Is raw nata de coco good for your health?” is yes when it is consumed in moderation at about 50 to 100 grams per serving. It suits people who want more dietary fiber and those who prefer a low-fat topping. However, young children and people who must control their blood sugar should limit this dessert because it may affect their health.

What is young nata de coco? The rising star in the F&B industry

Nata de coco is made by fermenting coconut water with Acetobacter xylinum, which creates a layer of plant-based cellulose with a naturally crisp and chewy texture. Compared to regular coconut jelly, it is softer and more pleasantly crunchy, making it a popular topping in modern beverages and desserts.

What is a coconut jelly cube? Characteristics of the production process, uses

Raw coconut jelly cube is produced through fermentation of mature coconut water by Acetobacter xylinum, forming a firm cellulose layer with a naturally crisp and chewy texture. In its raw state, the jelly remains in large blocks and is not cut or sweetened, then it can be further processed into nata de coco used in foods or drinks.

Can pregnant women eat nata de coco? Is it safe during pregnancy?

Pregnant women can eat nata de coco if the product is hygienic, low in sugar and the mother has no history of gestational diabetes. It should be eaten in moderation at about 100 - 200g per serving and up to two to three times per week. Mothers should also avoid very cold nata de coco when the stomach is weak or during a cough to prevent digestive or respiratory discomfort.