Abstract

FERNANDEZ DAZA, Virginia Mercedes; RUIZ ANDIA, Rodrigo  and  MAMANI VEIZAGA, Brian. Analysis of coconut milk consumption in Cochabamba as a healthy option. RevActaNova. [online]. 2024, vol.11, n.3, pp.267-285.  Epub Mar 31, 2024. ISSN 1683-0789.  https://doi.org/10.35319/acta-nova.202319.

Plant-based milks have gained significant importance in nutrition due to their health benefits and contribution to lactose-free and vegan diets. According to Sethi et al. (2016), these milks offer a nutritious and sustainable alternative to animal-based milks. In particular, coconut milk stands out for its unique properties. Tulashie et al. (2022) point out that this milk has a nutritional profile that contributes to digestive and cardiovascular health. Furthermore, Agdeppa and Zamora (2022) highlight that the consumption of coconut milk can help combat childhood malnutrition, especially in regions with high rates of nutritional deficiencies. These studies underline the relevance of coconut milk as a healthy and accessible option within plant- based milks. This research aims to determine the demographic, geographic and psychographic perceptions of respondents, analyze the existing supply and demand in the Cochabamba market, and evaluate consumer perceptions of coconut milk as a healthy product. For this purpose, the research was developed with a mixed qualitative (inductive) and quantitative (deductive) approach. A survey was applied, at a pilot level, to 60 people, which allowed calculating a population of 23,923 people between 20 and 89 years of age in district 12 of Cercado province in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate techniques.

It was identified that coconut milk is perceived as a healthy product, associated with high levels of satisfaction compared to other vegetable milks, its main competition being animal milk. 70% of respondents know coconut milk, 68% have tried it, and 41% prefer to consume it in glass containers. However, 23% are unaware of the product and do not consume it due to lack of habit. Regarding the market, the demand for the product is occasional, and the current offer is represented by seven brands,

both national and international; however, 68% of respondents do not recognize them. Although the prices of the product are high, there is a willingness to pay them due to the applications and uses it offers. However, no significant levels of positioning are observed for this product.

Keywords : Coconut Milk; Cochabamba; Consumption.

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