Boycotting coconut products due to forced monkey labor 🌴 🥥

“In some regions of the world, pig-tailed macaques are intentionally bred and trained to harvest coconuts. The monkeys are always tethered to their “handler” and are not permitted to eat the coconuts they collect. No statistics exist detailing exactly how many monkeys are bred and used for this purpose.”

“PETA says that during an undercover investigation they found 8 coconut farms in Asia where monkeys, that were reportedly illegally captured as babies, were forced to climb palm trees to pick coconuts for export.

The monkeys were said to be under extreme stress and some could have their canine teeth removed so that they don't bite their handlers.”

“Walgreens and Duane Reade have been added to a list of retailers which have committed to not sell coconut products from farms that use monkeys for picking. The large chain grocery store Wegmans is still selling coconut products picked by monkeys.”

“Many vegetarians and vegans who utilize coconut products in their cooking are rallying to boycott companies that use forced monkey labor.”

The following are brands that do NOT use monkeys for coconut picking:

Ape Snacks

AYAM

Chef’s Choice

The Coconut Collaborative

The Coconut Company

Coconut Merchant

Coconuts Organic

Daiya

DREAM Coconut Milk

Follow Your Heart (aka “Earth Island”)

The Groovy Food Company

Harmless Harvest

Kara

Koko

Lucy Bee

Miyoko’s Creamery

Nature’s Charm

Nature’s Way

Raglan Food Co

Rebel Kitchen

Siam Kitchen

A Taste of Thai

TIANA Fairtrade Organics

Violife

Do you use coconut products? What are your thoughts on using monkeys for coconut picking? If you don’t see your brand on this list, will you switch to a product that does not use monkey labor? Why or why not?