A diverse range of coconut candy and jam products.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, coconut processing facilities in the province are operating at full capacity. From a fresh fruit specialty, waxy coconuts are now processed into a variety of jams and candies to serve the Tet market, not only increasing the value of agricultural products but also creating jobs and raising income for local farmers and workers.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, coconut processing facilities in the province are operating at full capacity. From a fresh fruit specialty, waxy coconuts are now processed into a variety of jams and candies to serve the Tet market, not only increasing the value of agricultural products but also creating jobs and raising income for local farmers and workers.

Workers at the Cam Hang coconut jam and candy production facility are packaging coconut jam products.

In Hamlet 2, Tam Ngai Commune, the Cam Hang coconut jam and candy production facility (Cau Ke Commune) owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam is entering its peak season. Ms. Cam said: This year's Tet season has seen a 50% increase in orders compared to the same period last year, so the facility started production early. From the 15th day of the 11th lunar month until now, the facility has been producing continuously almost every day to meet delivery deadlines.

To date, the facility has produced nearly 20 tons of coconut jam and candy, with jam alone accounting for approximately 12 tons. To ensure a stable supply of raw materials, the facility proactively collaborates with 40 local coconut farmers, signing contracts to supply about 30,000 coconuts. This helps farmers have a stable market, secure their raw materials, and control processing quality.

According to Ms. Cam, her family previously mainly traded fresh waxy coconuts. However, recognizing the increasing demand for gifts during Tet (Lunar New Year), in 2018 she researched and developed waxy coconut jam. The product was well-received by the market, so the business continued to develop waxy coconut candy with various flavors such as banana, cocoa, gac fruit, and coffee. During Tet, the business focuses on producing additional lines of waxy coconut jam and candy, these being two flagship products that meet OCOP standards.

Along with the Cam Hang facility, Cau Ke Coconut Processing Company Limited (Vicosap) is also busy with production. In the factory, workers are continuously working in the stages of separating coconut flesh, processing, drying, and packaging to meet delivery deadlines.

According to Mr. Tran Duy Linh, Director of Vicosap (Tam Ngai commune): Market demand during Tet (Lunar New Year) increases by about three times compared to normal days, so the company has to increase capacity and arrange additional production shifts. During Tet, the company purchases about 10,000 wax coconuts as raw materials, maintaining weekly production of 3,000 products to meet delivery deadlines for partners. This accelerated production not only serves the peak season but also creates opportunities to expand the market, enhance the recognition of OCOP wax coconut products, and further affirm their position as a distinctive product with high economic value.

The company plans to maintain continuous production until the 27th day of the 12th lunar month before taking a break for Tet (Lunar New Year), striving to complete all signed orders. To ensure progress, many workers have been scheduled for overtime, especially in the packaging and finishing stages. As a result, workers' income during the year-end period is higher than usual.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh, a worker who has been employed at Vicosap for the past 5 years, shared: "On weekdays, we work 8 hours, and during Tet (Lunar New Year), we often work overtime, so our income increases significantly. This is also the time when workers take advantage of the opportunity to save up to cover living expenses and prepare for Tet."

Mr. Tran Thanh Binh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Tam Ngai commune, said: Currently, the commune has nearly 180 hectares of waxy coconuts, supplying the market with over 900,000 fruits. The development of processing facilities has significantly contributed to increasing the value of waxy coconuts. Previously, farmers mainly sold fresh fruit, depending on the market; now, thanks to deep processing, the product's value has increased significantly. With stable purchasing by businesses, people are confidently investing in caring for their coconut gardens and improving fruit quality.

Local authorities are actively acting as a bridge between farmers and businesses, supporting trade promotion, product advertising, and guiding the development of deep processing. At the same time, they are calling for investment to link production with tourism, including experiential activities at wax coconut gardens, building tourist attractions, expanding markets, and enhancing the value of local specialties.

The procurement, increased production capacity, and market expansion have formed a supply chain from coconut gardens to Tet (Lunar New Year) gift products, enhancing the value of local specialties and creating sustainable livelihoods for many households. Waxy coconut products are not only consumed domestically but also distributed to many places through a network of regular customers and given as gifts to Vietnamese people abroad, contributing to promoting the local image.

Text and photos: MY NHAN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/tin-moi/202602/da-dang-san-pham-keo-mut-dua-sap-d02093e/