I would like the Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health to know that at no time was I fooled that the coconut flavoured Solo drinks could have been real coconut water. It was priced six times cheaper than the real thing and was on supermarket shelves alongside other flavoured drinks that did not require refrigeration.
What was important was that it did what it said. It could be mixed with any alcoholic drink, put in some ice cubes and you could not tell the difference. Which is where the real conundrum must lie.
I had been ignoring “real” coconut water for some time. “Real” coconut water had moved from $38 to $67 per two litre in less than three years. This healthy and refreshing drink is now well out of reach of shoppers on a tight budget. This is almost the same price as a bottle of rum. Who is kidding whom?
Solo should indeed ensure that the labels are clear as to salt and sugar content. People who should be monitoring salt and sugar intake must be made aware. But as to flavour, whatever the ingredient used is palatable and does indeed successfully mimic the taste of real coconut water.
If the mantra is to buy local why is the real coconut water being sold at such exorbitant prices? Coconut water is not the only local item that is sold at comparable prices to imported items. When coming to fruit a julie mango is more expensive than an imported apple. This letter could go on for days if I walk down that particular road about the over pricing of local vegetables, fruits and juices.
The reality to be faced is the bill at the check out counter. The mixer cannot be as expensive as the drink.
Lynette Joseph