The forever flavor of Quang Ngai candy

(Baoquangngai.vn) - For generations, Quang Ngai has affirmed its reputation with the traditional sugar cane industry, creating confectionery products imbued with the identity of the homeland. In the midst of modern life, it is truly admirable that there are still families and businesses that are dedicated to preserving and promoting long-standing cultural values, bringing confectionery products to the domestic and foreign markets.

Preserving traditional crafts

Amidst the competitive, diverse, and abundant modern confectionery market, traditional Quang Ngai confectionery products continue to hold a special place in the hearts of consumers. For many, these confectionery products are not simply food items, but also cultural symbols and flavors that preserve the memories of generations. Phuoc Yen mirror candy, inheriting from the renowned Hoang Yen mirror candy brand, is one of the prime examples of this cultural heritage.

The Phuoc Yen candy production facility is located on Tran Hung Dao Street (Quang Ngai City). During Tet (Lunar New Year), this facility operates at full capacity to fulfill orders shipped to various locations. Ms. Ngo Thi Thu Hoa (50 years old), the owner, said that normally, the facility only produces about 250kg of candy per month. However, in the days leading up to Tet, demand skyrockets, and production reaches over 1,500kg in the twelfth lunar month. Along with that, more than 25 other traditional, rustic cakes reflecting the cultural identity of Quang Ngai people are also produced to meet market demand.

Ms. Ngo Thi Thu Hoa (50 years old), owner of Phuoc Yen mirror candy production facility, along with her mother, Ms. Tran Thi Lieu (85 years old), who has dedicated much effort to building the Hoang Yen mirror candy brand.

Despite the hard work, Mrs. Hoa always feels happy seeing her carefully packaged mirror candy products shipped out, bringing the sweet taste of her hometown to consumers. This is not only a way to make a living but also a way for her to continue and preserve her family's traditional craft, inherited from her mother, Mrs. Tran Thi Lieu (85 years old), the founder of the Hoang Yen mirror candy brand; she was also taught the craft by her father-in-law, the owner of Thanh Loi mirror candy, famous in Thu Xa (Tu Nghia).

Ms. Ngo Thi Thu Hoa (50 years old), owner of Phuoc Yen mirror candy production facility, packs and ships mirror candy products to various locations.

Besides mirror candy, Phuoc Yen mirror candy production facility also produces many other traditional confectionery items, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of Quang Ngai province.

Recently, Phuoc Yen mirror candy received a 3-star OCOP certification at the provincial level, enhancing the brand's reputation and expanding its influence, while also easily bringing the traditional flavors of their hometown to many other regions. Ms. Hoa shared that this initial success is the result of daily perseverance in producing quality products, ensuring the reputation that her family has diligently maintained for many years.

“The most important thing is to preserve the family's secret recipe and maintain the brand's reputation, so that every time consumers enjoy it, they can immediately feel the distinctive flavor of the mirror candy made by our family. Changes are only focused on improving the packaging, switching from plastic bags to elegant tin boxes when customers request it, for easier transportation. The flavor of the mirror candy must remain the same as when made using traditional methods, ensuring the candy is crispy, translucent, and has a sweet, fragrant, and delicious taste. All of this is thanks to the careful attention to detail in every step of the processing,” Ms. Hoa confided.

The pride of Quang Ngai province.

Quang Ngai is the cradle of many processed sugar products. One of the outstandingly successful brands is Biscafun confectionery, belonging to Quang Ngai Sugar Joint Stock Company. According to Le Van Lap, Deputy Director in charge of business at Biscafun Confectionery Factory, in 1993, recognizing the importance of creating new products that not only increase the value of the sugar industry but also meet the country's strong innovation trend, the leadership of Quang Ngai Sugar Factory (now Quang Ngai Sugar Joint Stock Company) decided to expand into the field of industrial confectionery production.

In 1994, the company's confectionery workshop produced its first batches of products, marking a significant turning point in the development of the Biscafun confectionery brand. The biscuits and milk candies, later known as Chocovina, were popular in the early stages of the factory's establishment and hold sweet memories for generations of people in Quang Ngai during a difficult time.

A product of Biscafun Confectionery Factory.

In the 2000s, thanks to a successful branding strategy, Biscafun expanded beyond the domestic market and exported its products to other countries. From its initial exports to Russia, the market has gradually broadened, now present in nearly 30 countries and territories worldwide , including demanding markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. In 2024, the factory's revenue increased by 12%, sales volume increased by 8%, while exports grew by 28% compared to the same period. This demonstrates the strength of the Biscafun brand and its competitiveness in the confectionery industry.

“For the past 26 years, Biscafun has consistently been voted by consumers as a high-quality Vietnamese product. From 2016 to 2024, Biscafun's products have always met the criteria of the Vietnam National Brand Program. To achieve this result, the company has continuously invested in and improved the quality and design of its products to meet the requirements of demanding markets. A modern candy production line with a capacity of 1,000 kg/hour will be invested in and is expected to be operational from 2026, further expanding the scale and production capacity of the factory,” Mr. Lap shared.

Biscafun Confectionery Factory's products are exported to the international market.

With nearly 500 direct employees at the factory, Biscafun not only creates quality products but also contributes to socio -economic development and solves employment problems for the local area. Ms. Bui Thi Hoa My (39 years old), a worker with 12 years of experience at the Biscafun confectionery factory, shared that pride in her hometown's products is a key factor in her long-term commitment to the job. This pride is not simply about producing quality products for the market, but also about knowing that the products, deeply rooted in the identity and traditions of her hometown, are loved and appreciated by international consumers. "With every cake, every product I make, I know that I have contributed to building the reputation of a major brand from my hometown," Ms. Hoa expressed.

Quang Ngai sugar products, inheriting traditional excellence and innovative creativity, are not only firmly establishing themselves in the domestic market but also conquering international markets. This is a great source of pride for the people of Quang Ngai on their path to development and integration.

Text and photos: THIEN HAU

Source: https://baoquangngai.vn/quang-ngai-que-minh/202502/con-mai-huong-vi-banh-keo-quang-ngai-f0c0849/-49832.htm