What's with expensive coconut drinks in Bangkok?

Question

I notice around malls and tourist day and night markets the coconuts drinks, coconut shake and jelly and all are under this brand called Universal coconut.

They are selling overpriced coconut drinks at a crazy higher price. What happened to the less pricey ones? Seems like some sort of monopoly is going on.

nina · Answer

universal coconut isn't a monopoly exactly, they just paid a lot for those prime spots in places like siam paragon and centralworld. the street vendors got pushed out of those areas by management fees they can't afford. if you want the real cheap stuff go to the fruit stalls at khlong toei market, they'll crack one open for 25 baht and it's way fresher than the ones sitting in a cooler all day

adelesebastian · Answer

honestly universal coconut is just aggressive with their mall contracts, they got that whole "fresh coconut" aesthetic locked down. but if you wander like 2-3 soi off Sukhumvit you'll still find old aunties with carts selling them for 30-40 baht, especially around lunchtime near office buildings. the shake version is always gonna be pricier anywhere though cause they blend it with ice and syrup

jessicaklotz · Answer

ngl the universal coconut thing is just smart business, they cornered the market on convenience. but if you're near on nut or ekkamai the small juice stalls in the sois will do a fresh coconut for 40 baht easy. also the ones at chatuchak on weekends are a ripoff, better to just buy a whole coconut from the fruit section next to section 18 and have them hack it open for 25 baht

kristina · Answer

its not a monopoly exactly, more like they paid for vendor contracts at those high foot traffic spots. the small carts cant afford the rent at centralworld or jj market so they get pushed out. if u go to yaowarat or bang rak you'll still find the old school shops selling fresh coconut water for 30-40 baht, just not in the shiny mall food courts

beatricearlt · Answer

honestly the universal coconut thing is just branding on a generic product, they slap a sticker on wholesale coconuts and charge triple because theyre in a prime spot. if you want the real deal hit up the fruit stalls along charoen krung road near saphan taksin, old lady sells them for 35 baht and she'll crack it open for you on the spot. the taste is way better too, universal coconut stuff tastes watered down imo

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