Launch pad for agricultural development from OCOP

A variety of OCOP products from localities are introduced to the market.

Breakthrough in quantity and quality

Deployed since 2018, by the end of 2024, the province will have 153 more OCOP certified products with 3 stars or more; bringing the total number of OCOP products in the province to 341 products of 174 entities. Of which, many products have achieved 4 and 5 stars (national level).

In the journey to enhance the value of agricultural products, the province has made its mark with OCOP products that meet the national 5-star standard. These products not only demonstrate innovation in production but also affirm the position of local agricultural products in the international market. Dong A General Production and Trading Company Limited (Ben Tre City) has succeeded in elevating traditional coconut candy products. 4 coconut candy products under the brand name "BEN TRE", including: cocoa coconut candy, durian pandan coconut candy, ginger coconut candy and durian coconut candy have been recognized as meeting the 5-star OCOP standard. The combination of traditional flavors and modern technology helps the product not only retain local identity but also meet the strict requirements of the international market. The export of coconut candy to countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany and Italy has affirmed the position of Ben Tre OCOP products in the global market.

Or the whole frozen durian product under the DuriVy brand of Chanh Thu Fruit Import Export Company Limited (Cho Lach District) is a testament to innovation in agricultural product processing. Applying liquid nitrogen freezing technology, the product retains the flavor, color and nutrients of fresh durian. Recognized as meeting 5-star OCOP standards in July 2024, DuriVy durian not only conquers the domestic market but also reaches out to the international market. Exporting frozen durian to China opens up great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products.

The 5-star OCOP products of the province are not only the result of the tireless efforts of enterprises but also a testament to the effectiveness of the OCOP Program in developing the rural economy . These products have contributed to creating jobs, increasing income for people; promoting the development of traditional industries and preserving local cultural identity.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment Vo Tien Si affirmed that this is a testament to the efforts to continuously improve design, quality, food safety and hygiene, and traceability. Not only focusing on quantity, the province also focuses on developing products with local cultural identity such as My Long rice paper, coconut candy, coconut milk, organic coconut products, etc.

Expanding consumer market

Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment Vo Tien Si said that the success of the OCOP Program in Ben Tre comes not only from policies but also from the synchronous participation of the political system, the strong response from enterprises, cooperatives and production households. Through the OCOP Program, rural economic entities not only improve their production capacity but also access modern management tools, gradually professionalize business activities and create sustainable brands.

In recent years, through organizing and participating in fairs and exhibitions inside and outside the province, the province's OCOP products have gradually affirmed their position in the market. At the same time, creating favorable conditions for enterprises, cooperatives and production households to connect with business partners.

One of the outstanding activities was the workshop “Connecting trade, promoting trade, establishing wholesale and retail distribution channels for OCOP specialty products applying science and technology of the province in 2024” held at Binh Tay market, Ho Chi Minh City. This event created an opportunity for OCOP Ben Tre product manufacturers to introduce their products and affirm their brands in the Ho Chi Minh City market. At the same time, it promoted the application of science and technology in agricultural production, towards a sustainable and modern agriculture.

In addition, the province also actively supports businesses to participate in industrial, trade and culinary fairs, as well as conferences to connect trade and consume products. In 2024, the province supported 50% of booth rental costs for 34 businesses participating in domestic fairs. Thereby, helping businesses promote products, find partners and expand consumption markets.

In particular, the province has focused on supporting enterprises, cooperatives and production households to bring OCOP products to e-commerce trading platforms such as Postmart.vn, Voso.vn, Sendo, Amazon... to help expand product consumption channels, contributing to promoting digital transformation in the agricultural sector, improving the competitiveness of the province's OCOP products in domestic and foreign markets.

Solutions in the future

In order to improve the effectiveness of the OCOP Program in the coming period, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment Vo Tien Si said that the province aims to develop key OCOP product groups according to the value chain, strengthen supply-demand connections, expand the distribution network and target export markets. In particular, building community brands and local brands based on traditional cultural values ​​is considered a strategic step to enhance the value and recognition of Ben Tre OCOP products.

The OCOP program is an important economic development program for the community. Therefore, it is necessary to assign responsibility to local and unit leaders in directing and implementing the program. Districts and communes must assign leaders to head the Steering Committee to have sufficient authority to decide on the program's tasks.

Focus on directing the breakthrough right from the first OCOP product group. Focus on improving product quality, including strengthening guidance on completing the production process, upgrading factories, production machinery and equipment, designing labels, product packaging, food hygiene and safety certification, announcing standards, quality, barcodes, affixing traceability stamps... ensuring compliance with regulations.

Identifying trade promotion as a key step of the annual OCOP Program. Forming a network connecting production, business and services combined with activities to build and develop brands, create and expand markets for OCOP products to develop sustainably. Strengthening trade promotion activities in the Mekong Delta region, within the province and outside the province. Supporting stores introducing OCOP products to promote the role of product promotion. Organizing trade promotion towards developing export markets, on-site export...

“The OCOP program is not only a “new coat” for rural products, but also a symbol of the aspiration to rise up with internal strength, intelligence and local identity. With steadfastness in orientation and flexibility in approach, the province is gradually building the OCOP brand associated with the image of “Startup Coconut Land”, affirming its position in the market and contributing to the journey of comprehensive and sustainable new rural development”.

(Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture and Environment Vo Tien Si)

Article and photos: Cam Truc

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/be-phong-cho-nong-nghiep-phat-trien-tu-ocop-28042025-a145851.html