Chapter 05
The copra supply chain
You buy at one link of the chain. That spot decides how well the supplier can explain where the lot came from.
- 01FarmerHarvests, splits and dries, or sells the nuts.
- 02Village collectorBuys from many farmers; lots start to blend here.
- 03District collectorConsolidates loads from several villages.
- 04WholesalerHolds a warehouse and sells to mills or inter-island traders.
- 05MillReceives, tests, and cuts the price when quality falls short.
A Central Maluku example
A marketing study in Central Maluku describes a path from farmers through village and district collectors to a wholesaler, then a mill. The study year was not checked and other regions may differ.
Under research, not yet verified · Marketing-chain study, Negeri Lafa (Agrilan journal), from a summary only; year not checked.
What it means for a buyer
- The further downstream, the likelier a lot is a blend from many hands.
- A downstream supplier can sort, yet may not know the first drying method.
- Ask at which link the supplier buys, not only where he sells.