Dam Rong Honey Pineapple: Distinctive Value and the Journey to Establishing a Certification Mark

DNVN - In the diverse landscape of Vietnamese agricultural products, each product aiming for greater success must possess its own unique identity, coupled with a well-structured development strategy. For Dam Rong honey pineapple, the difference stems not only from favorable natural conditions or its distinctive sweetness, but also from the determination to establish its brand and protect its intellectual property rights.

Specialties from the red soil of the Central Highlands

It is no coincidence that the honey pineapple has been identified as the new key crop of Dam Rong. While many pineapple-growing regions across the country are facing difficulties due to soil degradation, pests, and fluctuating prices, the Dam Rong honey pineapple has emerged as a unique and advantageous local product.

Harvesting Dam Rong honey pineapples.

The difference lies in the ecological conditions. Dam Rong is a unique climatic transition zone, combining the subtropical climate of high mountains with the tropical climate of low mountains. The main pineapple growing areas are in the communes of Ro Men, Da R'Sal, and Lieng Sronh – where the average temperature is 23–25ºC, the soil is red basalt with a thick topsoil layer, and rainfall is high and stable. Thanks to these conditions, the pineapple plants grow vigorously, producing large, deep yellow fruits with little fiber, high Brix levels, a rich, sweet flavor, and a natural aroma. These characteristics are highly valued by consumers and are difficult to find in pineapples grown in lowland or sandy soils.

Furthermore, there are differences in cultivation and development methods. Dam Rong honey pineapples are primarily intercropped in cashew orchards, on sloping hillsides or stable forest land, not only effectively utilizing the land but also helping to prevent erosion and reduce runoff during the rainy season, in line with the policy of developing agriculture while protecting the environment. Notably, this crop is easy to grow, has low costs, requires little fertilizer, but yields 13–18 tons/ha, with a profit after costs of 150–180 million VND/ha, much higher than cashew, coffee, or cassava crops in the area.

Currently, Dam Rong district has approximately 40 hectares of honey pineapple. The largest area belongs to the Ro Men Pineapple Cooperative with 23 hectares, of which 17 hectares are already producing fruit, with an estimated yield of over 400 tons per year. Dam Rong honey pineapple is a fresh fruit purchased by businesses in Lam Dong and neighboring provinces at a stable price of 8,000 – 10,000 VND/kg. It is favored by the market for its unique flavor, high uniformity, ease of processing, and suitability for making pineapple jam, dried pineapple, or pure pineapple juice.

Sustainable competitive advantage

In response to the need to expand production and increase the value of its products, Dam Rong district has implemented the project "Building, managing, and developing the certified trademark for Dam Rong honey pineapples." This is a strategic activity aimed at protecting the product's value, controlling quality, and enhancing the brand of local agricultural products.

Dam Rong honey pineapples are large and have a sweeter, more refreshing taste than pineapples grown in other regions.

The certification mark is established based on a strict set of criteria: fruit shape, size, Brix level, color, taste, and food safety indicators such as pesticide residue and heavy metals.

In addition, there is a QR code traceability system, certified area maps, growing area codes, and clear regulations on trademark usage. This ensures that only products meeting standards and grown in designated areas are allowed to use the "Dam Rong Honey Pineapple" trademark, preventing adulteration and counterfeiting.

Obtaining a protection certificate from the Intellectual Property Office ( Ministry of Science and Technology ) is a stepping stone for the product to participate in supermarket chains, OCOP channels, and aim for export, especially to niche markets with high traceability requirements such as Japan, South Korea, or the Middle East.

From differentiation to brand value

Establishing a new certification mark is just the beginning. To fully exploit the unique value of Dam Rong honey pineapple, a comprehensive development strategy is needed, from planning the growing area and supporting guaranteed purchase agreements to brand communication.

A shop that buys Dam Rong honey pineapples in Ro Men commune.

From the government's perspective, continued support is needed in issuing planting area codes, providing technical training, subsidizing certification costs, and linking with businesses for guaranteed purchase.

From the farmers' perspective, it is necessary to adhere to VietGAP standard farming procedures, use the correct varieties and techniques, and ensure product uniformity.

From the business perspective, there is a need to boldly invest in preliminary processing, packaging, and creating value-added processed products from honey pineapple such as jam, dried pineapple, and juice…

In terms of marketing, it is necessary to promote product images on digital platforms, connect with e-commerce marketplaces, and participate in regional and national trade promotion events.

Dam Rong honey pineapple is a prime example of the unique value derived from nature, people, and farming methods. The establishment of a certified trademark is a significant milestone, affirming the product's quality and position, and creating a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Dam Rong honey pineapple, aiming to become a new key product of the Central Highlands.

Peace of Mind

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/kinh-doanh/dua-mat-dam-rong-gia-tri-khac-biet-va-hanh-trinh-xac-lap-nhan-hieu-chung-nhan/20250610115230768