The substrate market is facing a period of tension. On top of the usual volatility in coconut fiber availability, this year climatic conditions and government decisions have further tightened supply and pushed prices upward.
"Monsoons in Sri Lanka and India lasted longer than usual, which delayed harvesting. On top of that, the Indian government is encouraging coconut plantation renewals, reducing the amount of raw material available," explained Jaime Rodríguez, head of Coflor, during Infoagro 2025. "At the same time, there's also a shortage of peat in Baltic countries such as Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, where weather has limited extraction."
© CoflorJaime Rodríguez in the 2025 edition of Infoagro.
The result has been a tighter market and higher prices for coconut fiber, given its geographically concentrated production in India and Sri Lanka. Freight costs and the broader geopolitical context are also playing a role. Still, while the shortage has been felt in recent months, Coflor is moving ahead with new solutions based on one of the most widely used substrates in global horticulture and hydroponics.
Coflor Plus: a balanced solution
Coflor has launched Coflor Plus, a universal substrate made of coconut fiber, blond peat, and a built-in base fertilizer. The mix is designed to balance aeration, root development, and water retention.
"Coconut is essential for rooting, but it's inert—it doesn't feed the plant. That's why we combine it with peat, which provides organic matter, and with a base fertilizer. This allows growers to reduce irrigation frequency and achieve more vigorous plants with less additional fertilization," Rodríguez explained. "The interesting part is that it's a universal product: it can be used for commercial horticultural crops, ornamental flowers, trees, or even household plants."
© Coflor
Because of this versatility, Coflor Plus has been marketed from the outset to a wide range of customers, from nurseries to large farms, and also through sales channels closer to end consumers, such as garden centers and bazaars.
"The demand for substrates for hydroponics and intensive agriculture keeps growing, and the market is not only waiting for more supply but also for new solutions. That opens opportunities for versatile products like Coflor Plus," Jaime pointed out. "And in a time of uncertain supply, at Coflor we plan to increase coconut fiber production starting in October, which means in the coming months we'll be able to secure greater stock and expand Coflor Plus to new markets."
© Coflor
© CoflorFor more information:
Coflor
Fray Junípero de Serra, 2-1º Pta. 8 29600 Marbella (Málaga) Spain
Tel.: +34 952 82 35 10
[email protected]
https://coflor.com/
