Businesses 'hunt' for fresh coconuts to export to China

Fresh Vietnamese coconuts are processed for export to many markets, with China being a particularly attractive market - Photo: T. TUNG

On October 21st, speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Nguyen Quang (District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - an export agricultural product market employee of a large enterprise headquartered in Thu Duc City) said that in recent days, market groups have been "accelerating" their purchases of fresh coconuts for export to China.

"We go wherever fresh coconuts are grown. We search, but we still haven't found a source, or the source we have isn't up to standard. As for going through traders, some are applying for export codes. Currently, the market over there (China) is very hot, but we have to check carefully to ensure that once we export, the quality is absolutely guaranteed."

"Of course, the purchase price of fresh coconuts will also be very high," Mr. Quang said.

Meanwhile, some businesses have secured export contracts for 30-40 containers between now and the end of the year.

Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, General Director of Vina T&T Company, informed that the enterprise has been granted 6 planting area codes and a packaging facility, ready to export the product and expecting a "boost" along with its two main products, durian and pomelo.

Assessing the strengths of Vietnamese fresh coconuts, Mr. Tung noted that the sweet, refreshing taste of Vietnamese coconuts, particularly the Siamese variety, has caught the eye of markets in the EU, the US, Canada, and South Korea.

"With good preservation technology, the shelf life can reach up to 70 days, ensuring that fresh Vietnamese coconuts maintain their quality when they reach consumers. We have signed contracts with two Chinese companies, and the first containers of fresh coconuts may be exported as early as October," Mr. Tung informed.

Earlier, in mid-October 2024, the first shipments of fresh Vietnamese coconuts were officially exported to China through land border crossings in the North.

This is the first time fresh Vietnamese coconuts have been cleared through customs since China granted permission to open its market last August.

Its export value ranks 6th, after durian, dragon fruit, banana, mango, and jackfruit.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , Vietnam has 15 provinces with extensive coconut cultivation, covering an area of ​​approximately 200,000 hectares and producing 2 million tons. Coconut is one of the six crops included in and approved as part of the plan for developing key industrial crops by 2030, thus bringing economic benefits to people in many provinces and cities.

In 2023, Vietnam exported 30,000 tons of fresh coconuts and 320,000 tons of processed coconut products to 15 countries worldwide . Of this, exports of fresh coconuts to China increased by over 30%.

In the first nearly 10 months of this year, exports of fresh coconuts reached over $120 million.

In the final months of the year, when businesses officially export fresh coconuts to China, export value will skyrocket. Currently, fresh coconuts are the sixth most valuable export item, after durian, dragon fruit, bananas, mangoes, and jackfruit.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doanh-nghiep-san-lung-dua-tuoi-de-xuat-khau-qua-trung-quoc-2024102115493582.htm