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As South Africans battle scorching summer heat waves, many are seeking drinks that not only cool them down but also offer a healthier, more environmentally friendly option. The Coconut Bar, a family-run business based in Alberton, is answering that call with a unique concept: serving flavoured beverages directly from fresh coconuts.
Founded nearly a decade ago by the Mohlala family, the business has grown from humble beginnings, trading from the back of a van at Kyalami Corner, to becoming a popular attraction at farmers’ markets across Johannesburg. Today, 26-year-old Thabo Mohlala stands at the forefront of the brand, continuing the vision his parents began.
Mohlala recalls being introduced to entrepreneurship at just 12 years old, when he and his siblings accompanied their parents to markets to learn how to operate the business. Over the years, the family experimented with recipes for more than five years before perfecting flavours that are both delicious and environmentally conscious.
The Coconut Bar’s drinks are served in whole coconuts using organic flavourings, including natural sugarcane juice. Popular options include mojito, plain coconut, margarita, pina colada, and strawberry, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Customers drink straight from the coconut, making the experience both refreshing and memorable.
According to Mohlala, coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes, making it an ideal hydrating beverage in extreme heat. The concept also offers a “two-in-one” experience: once the drink is finished, customers can enjoy the coconut flesh inside, which contains beneficial natural oils.
Sustainability sits at the heart of the business. By using coconuts instead of plastic or glass containers, the brand reduces waste while promoting reuse. Empty shells can be repurposed as plant pots or crushed into compost or manure, helping minimise environmental impact.
The coconuts are sourced from Mozambique, adding an element of international trade to the operation while ensuring the use of fresh, natural ingredients. Mohlala emphasises that the drinks provide a wholesome alternative to sugary or processed beverages, hydrating without the guilt.
Beyond refreshments, The Coconut Bar is also tackling youth unemployment. The family regularly hires scholars and matriculants during weekends and holiday seasons, offering them hands-on experience in sales, customer engagement, and event operations. These programs focus on skills transfer, equipping young people with tools they can use beyond the job.
For the past six months, the business has operated at the Fourways Rustic & Gourmet Market, where it has quickly become a crowd favourite. Customers often describe the offering as an “experience,” noting that it stands out from typical drink options available in Johannesburg.
Each coconut sells for around R90, a price many Joburgers are willing to pay for a product that combines refreshment and sustainability.
As temperatures continue to soar, innovative ideas like The Coconut Bar demonstrate that quenching thirst can go hand in hand with protecting the planet and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
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