Why “Monkey-Free” Coconut Cream Matters

The Problem: Forced Monkey Labor in Thailand

Since 2019, PETA has conducted three major investigations into Thailand's coconut industry, documenting the systematic use of pig-tailed macaques — an endangered species — to harvest coconuts.

The investigations found:

• Baby monkeys kidnapped from the wild and fitted with rigid metal neck collars
• Training at “monkey schools” where animals are whipped, jerked by chains, and have their canine teeth removed
• Forced to climb trees and pick up to 1,000 coconuts per day (vs ~80 for a human worker)
• An estimated 3,000 monkeys currently working on Thai coconut farms
• Approximately half are believed to be illegally captured wild animals

Brands Implicated

Multiple well-known Thai coconut brands have been linked to monkey labor, including:

• Chaokoh (Theppadungporn Coconut Co.) — the primary target of boycotts
• Aroy-D — widely used in restaurants
• Thai Pure, Ampawa, Blue Dragon, Suree, Tropicana Oil
• Multiple UK retailer own-brand coconut milks sourced from Thailand

Retailers Took Action

Over 40,000 stores worldwide have dropped Thai coconut products. In the US alone:

• Walmart
• Target
• Costco
• Wegmans
• Food Lion
• Stop & Shop

Some implicated brands saw sales drop 30% following the investigations.

Why Indonesia Is Different

PETA has confirmed that the monkey labor problem is specific to Thailand. The following countries are verified monkey-labor-free for coconut harvesting:

• Indonesia (where Kara is made)
• Philippines
• India
• Vietnam
• Dominican Republic
• Sri Lanka

PETA's position: “It's impossible to guarantee that any canned coconut milk produced in Thailand didn't use forced monkey labor.”

About Kara

Kara coconut cream is manufactured by Sambu Group (PT Pulau Sambu), founded in 1967 in Indonesia. They process approximately 5 million coconuts per day across 3 factories in Indragiri Hilir, Sumatra — making them the largest integrated coconut company in Indonesia.

Kara carries more certifications than any competing coconut cream brand:

• Halal (MUI — Indonesian Ulema Council)
• Kosher (OK Kosher Certification)
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• FSSC 22000 (Food Safety)
• Rainforest Alliance
• SA 8000 (Social Accountability)
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)