Australia is ready to increase blueberry production for the Vietnamese market.

On December 9, the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and Berries Australia held an event to welcome blueberries to the Vietnamese market.

At the event, Ms. Rachel Mackenzie, CEO of Berries Australia, affirmed: "The export of blueberries - Australia's 7th fruit - to Vietnam is a good result of the close and effective cooperation between the Vietnamese and Australian governments ."

The first batch of fresh Australian blueberries arrived in Vietnam on December 5, just two months after the market was approved to open in October. This is an important step forward in agricultural trade cooperation between the two countries and affirms Australia's position as a leading supplier of premium fruit.

Berries Australia representative shares about the quality and market of blueberries at the event welcoming Australian blueberries to Vietnam on December 9. Photo: Kieu Chi.

The success of the berry industry in general and Australian blueberries in particular is considered a story thanks to the convergence of all the factors that create this "miracle" agricultural product.

Ms. Rachel Mackenzie informed that Australia is the only country with the conditions and capacity to produce blueberries all year round. This means that trading partners, including Vietnam, always have their needs met even during the global low season.

In addition, blueberries are one of the premium products favored by Australian consumers. The quality of the soil, diverse climate, advanced farming techniques, deep investment in seed research and biosafety have helped the Australian blueberry industry maintain its premium quality. 65% of domestic households choose to consume blueberries during the year.

For Vietnam - a new strategic market, exporters expect to bring in 2.65 million USD in the first year, increasing to 14.6 million USD in the next 5 years. The geographical advantage of being close to Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries helps this nutritious product to stay fresh for 24 hours after harvest.

Australian farms have applied modern technology to ensure that each blueberry meets important criteria: uniform size, harmonious sweet and sour taste, high crispness and beautiful color. Photo: Berries Australia.

The introduction of the first batch of blueberries into Vietnam is strongly promoted by leading businesses such as The Berry Collective, Ti Produce Marketing, An Minh Fruits and Berry Sweet (Western Australia).

“This is an exciting moment, not only for our business but for the entire blueberry industry,” said a representative of The Berry Collective at the event. He stressed that Vietnam is a potential market, a priority in long-term investment plans.

During the discussion, representatives of Australian growers and Vietnamese buyers discussed strategies to attract consumers in Vietnam. They said that the blueberry industry has maintained stable production and quality over the past four years, and the determination to conquer the Vietnamese market is also a strong motivation for growers to increase production and improve yields.

"We expect to raise awareness among Vietnamese consumers and are ready to expand production and spread products in domestic supermarkets," Ms. Rachel Mackenzie emphasized that the output for blueberry export has doubled this year.

Commercial Australian blueberries began in Victoria in 1974. In 1978, the country established the Blueberry Growers Association. By 2024, blueberry production reached 27,500 tonnes, worth 505 million AUD, and Australian blueberries are now grown in more than 40 countries around the world . Major export markets now include Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/australia-san-sang-gia-tang-san-luong-viet-quat-cho-thi-truong-viet-nam-d788446.html