Opportunity for OCOP

- Recently, with a series of cases of production and trading of fake and poor quality food... discovered and handled by authorities, consumers in the province are tending to choose agricultural products and processed foods with clear origins, especially prioritizing the use of OCOP certified products.

People shop for OCOP products at the OCOP product introduction and sales store in Luong Van Tri ward

Implementing the telegrams and instructions of the Government and the Prime Minister on strengthening the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, since the beginning of the year, the functional forces in the province have synchronously and drastically deployed professional measures; thereby, detecting and handling many violations related to smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods... Notably, there are many cases of trading and transporting goods of unknown origin and poor quality in large quantities.

For example, on May 23, 2025, Market Management Team No. 7, Provincial Market Management Department coordinated with the Economic Police Department, Lang Son Provincial Police and the Inspection Team for anti-smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods of Lang Son province to inspect the business household Tran Tien Tuan, Tan My commune, Van Lang district (now Hoang Van Thu commune). Through the inspection, the authorities discovered and seized over 1.2 tons of various foods produced outside Vietnam and foods of unknown origin.

The above cases, when discovered and handled, have created a positive change in people's shopping trends. Ms. Hoang Thi Huyen, Dong Kinh ward, said: In the past, when I went shopping, I often did not pay much attention to the origin of the products. Recently, when I saw many cases related to the production and trading of fake food being discovered, I was very confused and upset. Therefore, now when I go shopping, I pay special attention to choosing products from reputable brands with clear origins. Accordingly, I prioritize buying OCOP products of the province, because these are all products certified by the provincial industry and clearly state the place of production, expiry date...

Not only Ms. Huyen, according to the assessment of the authorities, consumers in the province are more careful in shopping and have a preference for using products with clear brands and origins. This has opened up opportunities for the province's OCOP product production and trading establishments to affirm their quality, reach more consumers and increase revenue.

Mr. Duong Huu Dien, owner of a dried pork production facility in Vu Lang commune, said: In the past 2 months, my OCOP dried pork product has been in high demand. Currently, on average, I sell more than 200 products to the market every day, with peak sales reaching 300 products, an increase of about 10 - 20% compared to the end of 2024.

Not only OCOP entities, at this time, shops and points of sale of OCOP products in the province also recorded great interest from customers. Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh, owner of a shop introducing and selling OCOP products in Luong Van Tri ward, said: Currently, the shop is selling more than 100 OCOP products of the province such as vegetable oil for the soul, Lua Vy fish mint tea... In the face of the widespread situation of fake and poor quality food, our shop is visited by more customers. Currently, on average, the shop welcomes about 80 - 100 visitors per day, and revenue has also increased by about 20% compared to the end of 2024.

It is known that the whole province currently has 146 OCOP entities and 13 points and stores displaying, introducing and selling OCOP products. According to records from a number of entities and store owners selling OCOP products, currently, revenue has increased by an average of 10-20% compared to the end of 2024.

According to statistics, in the province, there are currently 214 products certified with 3-star and 4-star OCOP, of which 142 products are still valid for 36 months as prescribed. These are all products recognized for quality, ensuring food safety conditions. However, with a relatively large number of products, the functional forces in the province are also interested in and increasing inspection, not excluding the risk of bad actors taking advantage of the OCOP brand to trade in counterfeit and poor quality goods... affecting the interests of consumers.

Mr. Dang Van Ngoc, Head of the Market Management Department, Department of Industry and Trade said: In the past time, the department has directed the Market Management Teams to strengthen propaganda, inspection and market control for production and business establishments in the area, in which special attention is paid to inspecting OCOP products. Through inspection, the Market Management force has not detected any violations related to OCOP products. However, we do not rule out the risk of subjects taking advantage of the OCOP brand to commit commercial fraud. Therefore, in the coming time, the department will continue to direct the teams to review and inspect production and business establishments of OCOP products; at the same time, resolutely and strictly handle violations to create deterrence.

It can be seen that many cases of production and trading of counterfeit goods... have been exposed, creating opportunities for OCOP products to reach more consumers. And to take advantage of the opportunity and build sustainable trust with consumers, OCOP product production and trading establishments also need to focus on maintaining and constantly improving product quality; improving packaging and designs to meet the increasing needs of consumers.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/co-hoi-cho-san-pham-ocop-giua-thoi-diem-nong-5051404.html