Lang specialties reach out to large markets

Lang Son agricultural products are raising growing area standards, increasing deep processing and expanding links towards sustainable exports.

Lang Son people harvest star anise in the raw material area, preparing for the new processing season. Photo: Hoang Nghia.

Improve quality from main raw material areas

Lang Son is a land rich in agricultural and forestry products, with more than 230 products meeting the OCOP 3-star standard or higher. Among them, many products have shaped regional brands such as Van Quan star anise, Bac Son tangerine, Van Lang persimmon, Trang Dinh black jelly or Chi Lang custard apple, values ​​that make up the "map of Lang specialties".

Star anise alone, the main crop, occupies an area of ​​over 46,000 hectares, supplying about 17,000 tons of dried flowers each year. This is considered the “green gold mine” of the province, suitable for developing essential oils, spices and medicinal herbs for markets that favor natural products such as Europe, the Middle East or India.

Previously, star anise was mainly sold fresh or dried, and prices fluctuated due to dependence on traders. In recent years, the province has focused on standardizing growing areas, applying safe farming techniques, issuing growing area codes, and promoting links with businesses. Thanks to that, two production and consumption chains of more than 1,000 hectares have been formed in Chi Lang and Trang Dinh, bringing stable output to people and increasing product value.

Lang Son star anise has been protected by geographical indication since 2007 and by 2020 became one of 39 geographical indications of Vietnam protected by the EU, opening a big door for official export. Since 2020, the price of fresh star anise has increased steadily, while that of dried star anise has reached an attractive level, helping many households significantly improve their income.

Along with star anise, the areas of custard apple, tangerine, seedless persimmon, honey, etc. are expanded in a safe direction, creating a synchronous source of raw materials ready to participate in the export supply chain.

Diversify products, expand markets

Lang Son owns a system of international and national border gates, creating a special advantage in agricultural trade. In recent years, the province has coordinated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to organize many supply-demand connection sessions and trade promotion conferences with China, India and Europe to expand output.

Lang Son dried star anise – key product in deep processing and export chains. Photo: Hoang Nghia.

Mr. Hoang Van Chieu, Deputy Director of Lang Son Department of Agriculture and Environment, commented: “The trend of official export is opening up great opportunities for local specialties. Deeply processed products from star anise are increasingly popular in the EU, India and the Middle East, markets that require high standards. This is the basis for the province to focus on raising standards of growing areas and increasing deep processing, creating competitive advantages for businesses.”

In addition to market promotion, many businesses in the province have invested in new processing lines, from making essential oils, organic incense to star anise and cinnamon tea. Modern production chains help products meet technical requirements, food safety and traceability, factors that are increasingly important when approaching demanding markets.

The shift from raw exports to deep processing is creating a new look: products retain their natural flavor, limit post-harvest losses, increase economic value and open more consumption channels.

Creating momentum from connectivity and infrastructure

To meet international standards, the province is developing policies to attract businesses to invest in deep processing factories, while also researching mechanisms to support infrastructure and premises for medium and large-scale processing projects.

In addition, the province aims to form an agricultural logistics center with cold storage and modern processing lines, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure quality when exporting.

“Along with infrastructure, digitalization of processes from growing area codes, packaging codes to traceability is also emphasized. When farmers and businesses raise standards together, Lang specialties will create trust with the large market,” emphasized Mr. Hoang Van Chieu.

The province also focuses on breeding new breeds, applying biotechnology, improving preservation techniques and encouraging low-carbon production models. This is a direction in line with the green consumption trend in the world.

Not only focusing on traditional products, Lang Son also supports cooperatives and businesses to develop additional ancillary products from black jelly, honey, cinnamon, etc. to increase diversity and improve market access.

Local businesses introduce packaging samples for processed anise products to expand the market. Photo: Hoang Nghia.

Affirming the position of Lang Son specialties

With a methodical strategy, Lang Son specialties are gradually appearing in many large markets such as: China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, USA, France, Japan, etc. The combination of natural potential and modern production methods is creating a new momentum for local agricultural products.

“When quality is improved, the market will open up. Our goal is not only to export more, but to make Lang specialties a trusted brand,” Mr. Hoang Van Chieu affirmed.

In the context of increasing demand for natural, safe, and traceable products, specialties such as star anise, custard apple, tangerine, persimmon or black jelly have a great opportunity to reach out, affirming the position of Vietnamese agricultural products on the world map.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/dac-san-xu-lang-vuon-ra-thi-truong-lon-d788272.html