Coco Bliss Bahamas: The Green Tourism & Agricultural Catalyst

Latoya S. Albury
Oct 4
8 min read

1.0 Executive Summary

Coco Bliss Bahamas is a premium, mobile beverage and recycling enterprise founded on the principle of turning coconut waste into wealth. We offer fresh, chilled coconut water via aesthetically designed, hygienic carts utilizing non-electric chilling technology.

This plan outlines a scalable franchise model and a robust Waste-to-Revenue (W2R) system, creating a circular economy in The Bahamas. Our strategy directly addresses the need for sustainable practices in tourism and agriculture, positioning Coco Bliss as a model that compliments the Government's "Coconut 360 Program" by focusing on private sector innovation, formalized employment, and green technology adoption (solar power).

We seek investment to secure initial inventory, acquire our first fleet of branded carts (Deluxe Solanas), establish our W2R processing partnership, and scale our franchise sales division.

2.0 Company Overview and Vision

Founder & Motivation: Founded by Latoya Sandera Albury in 2025, the concept was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mrs. Albury observed the lack of hygienic standards and the high volume of discarded coconut waste left by informal roadside vendors, noting the missed opportunity for local entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. The vision is to formalize the industry, create ethical employment for young Bahamians, and contribute to the country's national sustainability goals.

Vision: To become the premier provider of fresh, sustainably-sourced coconut products in the Caribbean, establishing a replicable, zero-waste business model that transforms local economies and contributes to a "Greener Bahamas."

Impact on Tourism & Agriculture: Coco Bliss will enhance the tourism landscape by offering a high-quality, professional, and hygienic product that complements upscale venues (like the Paradise Island Food Truck Village and resorts). Agriculturally, we formalize the coconut supply chain by offering stable, paid partnerships to local farmers for both their coconuts and use of excess land space for our processing operation, promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing reliance on imports.

3.0 Products, Services, and Revenue Streams

Coco Bliss operates on three primary revenue pillars: Retail Sales, Waste-to-Revenue (W2R) Byproducts, and Business-to-Business (B2B) Cart Sales/Franchising.

3.1 Retail & Food Service Offerings

Product Category	Details	Price Point (Competitive)
Premium Chilled Coconut Water	Served in clear, branded plastic cups (iced). Core offering.	$7.00 (20oz equivalent)
Value-Added Beverages (Upsell)	Natural additives like sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit juices (e.g., mango), Bahamian bush tea extracts, and natural spices/flavoring.	Add $1.00 – $2.00
Packaged Coconut Water	Bottled, flavored coconut water (initial local market focus).	TBD
Fresh Coconut Meat Products	Jelly Coconut Meat: Bagged and sold fresh (mimicking local vendors hygienically). Hard Coconut Meat: Shredded, desiccated, and frozen for use in cooking/restaurants.	$3.00 – $7.00/bag

3.2 Waste-to-Revenue (W2R) Byproducts (Mimicking Competition)

| | Mulch and Agricultural Products | Coconut husks processed into coir mulch/potting mix for local nurseries and gardeners.

| | Coconut Oil and Milk | Cold-pressed coconut oil and milk from older, harder meat for local retail/restaurants.

| | Coconut Treats & Jewelry | Delectable treats and unique jewelry from coconut shells (highlighting local artisans).

| | Eco-Paper Products | Egg cartons created from a pulp mixture of coconut husks and recycled newspaper.

| | Coconut Coal (Green Initiative) | Shells transformed into high-quality charcoal, providing a sustainable, local alternative to imported coals and helping to reduce deforestation of local pine forests. |

4.0 Market and Competitive Analysis

4.1 Competition Analysis

Competitor	Advantage	Coco Bliss Differentiation
Government’s Coconut 360 Program	Licensing, certification, capacity building, and powerful collaboration with stakeholders.	Differentiation: We are a private-sector partner focused on FinTech adoption, premium aesthetics, green technology (solar), formalized employment, and direct W2R product manufacturing. We provide a market outlet for their certified vendors.
Informal Roadside Vendors	Extremely Low Overhead (Free Coconuts): Coconuts are often acquired for free (backyard sharing, occasional small cash payment). Low to no license/permit costs.	Differentiation: Hygiene, Aesthetics, Consistency, Legal Compliance, and Ethical Sourcing. We pay farmers, employ staff legally, offer chilled products via technology, and provide a clear value-add (meat, flavors, sustainability).

4.2 Competitive Pricing Strategy

Our pricing (e.g., $7.00 for 20oz) is premium compared to informal vendors ($6.00 for 20oz bottles). This reflects our significant value-add:

Chilling Technology: Guarantees a cold, refreshing product.
Hygiene and Certification: Ensures customer safety and trust.
Ethical Sourcing: We pay farmers, supporting local agriculture.
Sustainability Tax: A small premium reflecting our commitment to zero waste.

5.0 Strategic Differentiation

5.1 Green Technology and Sustainability

Coco Bliss integrates sustainability into both its product and its logistics, creating a truly green tourism product.

Solar-Powered Operations: We will utilize solar generators to power our W2R processing equipment (shredders, crushers, etc.) on contracted farm space, ensuring we do not deplete the farmer's electricity and maintain a sustainable footprint.
Renewable Energy for Transport: We will prioritize the use of battery-powered carts to eliminate fuel consumption, and use gas-powered transport only for logistics (coconut hauling, delivery), eventually transitioning to electric transport when feasible.
W2R-to-Coal: Transforming shells into charcoal creates a domestic, sustainable energy source, reducing the country's need to import coal and discouraging deforestation.
Waste-to-Energy Assessment: While the volume of coconut debris from our initial operation may not be sufficient for large-scale energy production, our use of solar power for production and transport demonstrates a commitment to renewable energy consumption from the start.

5.2 FinTech Implementation

We will modernize the mobile vending industry by utilizing FinTech solutions:

Contactless Payments: All carts will be equipped with tap-to-pay terminals and mobile payment options (e.g., PayPal, local digital wallets) for speed and hygiene.
Inventory and Sales Tracking: Use of simple mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) systems that link sales data to inventory, providing real-time financial tracking crucial for franchising and auditing.

6.0 Operations and Logistics

6.1 Cart Acquisition and Cost Breakdown

We will seek Duty-Free Import and VAT Waivers for the initial purchase of machines and carts, arguing that this initiative aligns with concessions granted to major tourism players and supports sustainable economic growth.

Cart Model	Use Case	Unit Cost (Approx.)	Key Features
Deluxe Solana	Corporate-Owned Carts (High-Traffic/Events)	$11,500 (Base $9,950 + $950 Hard Top + $575 Umbrella)	Two cooling systems, large insulated cooler, 9' umbrella, custom logo. (10% discount for 10+ carts)
Mid-range Solana	Franchise Model / Upscale B2B Sales	$8,275 (Base $6,950 + $850 Hard Top + $475 Umbrella)	One cooling system, insulated cooler, 7.5' umbrella.
Mini Stand-alone Cart	B2B Sales (Hotels, Small Bars)	$470 – $360 (Volume Dependent)	Simple blade piercer, wheels (no refrigeration).

6.2 Supply Chain & W2R Processing

Sourcing: Establish formalized, paid contracts with local farmers across The Bahamas to ensure high-quality, ethically-sourced supply.
Storage & Processing: Partner with farmers to utilize excess space on their land for temporary debris storage and housing W2R processing machinery (powered by solar generators).
Logistics: Factor in gas costs for transport of coconuts and carts, unless replaced by battery-powered options.

6.3 Permits and Licensing

Compliance is paramount, distinguishing Coco Bliss from informal competitors.

Business License: Required for central operations and W2R manufacturing.
Food Handlers License: Mandatory for all vendors and corporate staff.
Zoning Permits: Required from the Ministry of Works for each vendor location (corporate and franchisee).

7.0 Human Resources and Management

The HR strategy focuses on professionalizing the vendor role, offering stable employment, and promoting entrepreneurial growth.

Position	Salary & Compensation	Details
Owner (Latoya S. Albury)	$50,000 / annum	Founder and Visionary. Oversees strategy and investment.
Vendor/Employee	Minimum Wage + Tips + Upsell Commission	Wage assessed for increase based on education, work ethic, and commitment. Includes National Insurance (NI) contribution (employer and employee portions).
Manager of Operations	Contracted (Outsourced)	Oversees daily cart deployment, logistics, maintenance, and W2R material collection.
Sales Lead (Franchising)	Contracted (Outsourced)	Focuses on developing and closing franchise/B2B sales deals.
Accountant & Social Media	Contracted (Outsourced)	Outsourcing these roles ensures competitive rates and professional service (Social Media will use industry-standard contracts).
Cleaning Crew	Contracted (Outsourced)	Responsible for deep cleaning and maintenance of corporate-owned carts.

8.0 Marketing and Sales Strategy

8.1 Market Penetration and Locations

Tourism Hotspots: Secure spots at the Paradise Island Food Truck Village, major resort pools, cruise port areas, and high-volume beaches.
Local Events: Target political events, special dinners, graduations, and private outdoor weddings.
Slow Period Events: Host engaging events like Paint-and-Sip Classes at unique locations to maintain revenue during off-peak times.

8.2 Marketing to Specific Audiences

Target Audience	Strategy
Locals (Abaco & Bahamas)	Digital marketing focused on ethical employment and environmental impact. Use social media to highlight our W2R products (coconut coal, jewelry) and our 360-degree approach with farmers.
Foreigners (USA & Global)	Market the premium, authentic, hygienic experience. Leverage social media and travel blogs to showcase our sustainable mission, differentiating us from mass-market bottled water.
Bonefishing Tourists	Partnerships with Local Guides: Offer incentives (commission or discounts) to bonefishing guides who refer their clients to stay and utilize our services.
Entrepreneurs & Businesses (Franchising)	Market the scalable business model and the opportunity for young Bahamians to become entrepreneurs. Highlight the option to purchase non-franchised carts with maintenance contracts.

8.3 Franchise and B2B Cart Sales

Franchise Model: Offers full branding, operations training, and inclusion in the W2R waste collection loop.
B2B Cart Sales: Selling the various cart models (Deluxe, Mid-range, Mini) to hotels, existing businesses, or independent vendors. We offer ongoing maintenance service and discounts on future machine sales and parts, creating a recurring revenue stream separate from the franchise royalty.

9.0 Financial Plan and Funding Request

9.1 Key Financial Assumptions

Category	Assumption
Owner Salary	$50,000 per annum (Consistent across all years/scenarios).
Employee Salaries	Commensurate with National Minimum Wage, increasing based on performance, education, and commitment. Includes NI costs (both employer and employee portions factored into expenses).
COGS (Coconut Water)	Estimated at 25%-35% of Retail Price (higher than informal due to ethical sourcing).
Operating Expenses	Includes insurance (liability, equipment), rent (storage, processing space), gas/battery costs, marketing, and outsourcing fees.
Outsourcing Strategy	All specialized roles (Manager, Accountant, Sales, Social Media) are contracted to ensure competitive rates and flexibility.
Initial Cart Cost	$11,500 per Deluxe Solana (used for corporate operations).

9.2 Funding Requirement

The final funding request will be determined by the number of carts purchased and the W2R infrastructure costs.

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)	Purpose
Deluxe Carts (Qty 3)	$34,500	Initial operating fleet for high-traffic zones.
W2R Processing Equipment	$50,000	Grinders, shredders, molds for coir/charcoal/egg cartons.
Solar Generators (2)	$8,000	Power W2R equipment and cart charging off-grid.
Initial Inventory & Supplies	$7,500	Coconuts, cups, additives, safety inventory.
Operational Reserve (6 months)	$75,000	Covers salaries, NI, contractor fees, and rent/insurance.
TOTAL REQUEST	$175,000 - $200,000	Exact amount depends on final equipment selection and W2R setup.

10.0 Analysis

10.1 PESTLE Analysis

Factor	Analysis for Coco Bliss Bahamas
Political	Opportunity: Government supports sustainable tourism and local enterprise (BIA, Coconut 360 Program). Risk: Potential regulatory overlap or competition with the Coconut 360 Program.
Economic	Opportunity: Strong rebound in tourism and high tourist spending. Risk: High cost of imports (mitigated by seeking duty-free concessions) and fluctuating energy costs (mitigated by solar investment).
Social	Opportunity: High local demand for unique, authentic products. Strong demand for ethical jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for young Bahamians.
Technological	Opportunity: Low barrier to adopting FinTech (POS, mobile pay) and using solar technology for operations. Risk: Need for training in technical maintenance of carts/W2R machinery.
Legal	Risk: Complex permit process (Food Handlers, Ministry of Works Zoning). Mitigation: Prioritizing compliance and seeking BIA support for concessions.
Environmental	Opportunity: Our W2R model directly addresses coconut waste and deforestation (via coconut coal), aligning perfectly with national environmental goals.

10.2 SWOT Analysis

Strength	Weakness
Sustainable Differentiation: Robust W2R model (coal, egg cartons, coir) that mirrors and expands on the government's efforts.	Cost of Entry: Higher capital investment required for premium carts and W2R machinery vs. informal vendors.
Hygienic/Aesthetic Appeal: Premium cart design, chilling technology, and professionalism build tourist trust.	Logistics & Storage: Lack of owned land/storage facility requires reliance on farmer partnerships initially.
Formalized HR: Ethical employment model (salary, NI, commission) attracts high-quality vendors.	Competition: Directly competing with free coconut sourcing by informal vendors (low COGS).
Scalability: Built-in franchise and B2B cart sales models allow for rapid, capital-efficient expansion.	Dependence on Concessions: Financial model relies on securing duty-free/VAT waivers for initial equipment import.
Opportunity	Threat
B2B Cart Sales: Selling tiers of carts provides an additional, high-margin revenue stream to businesses and non-franchised vendors.	Government Competition: The Coconut 360 Program could prioritize its own licensed partners over private initiatives.
Global Replication: The premium, zero-waste model is highly replicable across the Caribbean and tropical markets (e.g., Florida).	Zoning/Permits: Difficulty in securing multiple prime, high-traffic vendor locations through the Ministry of Works.
FinTech Adoption: Integration of modern payment systems appeals to high-value tourists and improves efficiency.	Climate/Seasonality: Tourism is seasonal, requiring reliance on W2R byproduct sales during slow periods.