Bringing local specialties abroad.

Da Nang is boosting exports of OCOP products, gradually bringing local specialties to the international market and affirming the value of Vietnamese agricultural products on the global export map.

Elevating the status of Vietnamese agricultural products.

In early July, the production facility of My Phuong Food Company (Dai La village, Hoa Khanh Nam ward, Da Nang city) was bustling with the sound of machinery and the fragrant aroma of coconut cakes permeated the air. Orders for baked coconut cakes were continuously being completed for export to many countries such as China, the United States, Israel, and others.

The coconut cake production workshop of My Phuong Food Company is bustling with activity as it prepares for export orders. Photo: Lan Anh.

Watching the carefully packed boxes being loaded onto trucks for transport to the port, Ms. Mai Thi Y Nhi – co-founder of My Phuong Food Company – couldn't hide her pride as she recalled the challenging beginnings. Hailing from Tam Quan ( Gia Lai province), renowned for its shady coconut groves, she and her husband were determined to transform this existing advantage into a distinctive product deeply rooted in local identity. "We started from scratch, with a simple desire to utilize the coconut resources of our homeland to create delicious, high-quality cakes," she recounted.

However, making a perfect baked coconut cake is no easy feat. Hundreds of failed attempts, sleepless nights in the oven, and almost limitless patience have paid off: crispy, fragrant coconut cakes named Top Coco, achieving 4-star OCOP status and with the potential to become a 5-star product, are conquering both domestic and export markets.

The closed-loop production line for sesame-coated coconut cookies at My Phuong Food. Photo: Lan Anh.

The most memorable milestone was when the first order to Japan was confirmed. “It felt both joyful and stressful. Because once we ventured into the global market , every process – from selecting ingredients and processing to packaging – had to be almost perfectly precise,” Ms. Ý Nhi shared.

From that first milestone, My Phuong Food's export journey expanded rapidly. Without intermediaries, the company directly connected with and signed orders with partners in South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, Laos, France, Mongolia, and other countries. Each market presented unique requirements, forcing the entire team to constantly learn, adapt, and improve product quality to reach international standards.

The spirit of "elevating Vietnamese agricultural products" is not only reflected in the 15 countries to which the company exports, but also in its continuous product innovation. Besides the traditional Top Coco line, the company continues to create new products such as fruit-flavored coconut cakes and coconut cakes combined with various nuts, to meet the diverse tastes of global consumers. Currently, the company has three main product lines with over 20 varieties of baked coconut cakes, produced at a capacity of approximately 3 tons per day, with up to 50% destined for export.

According to Ms. Ý Nhi, bringing a regional specialty from the domestic market to the global market is a long and arduous journey. “Production for the domestic market and export are vastly different. When aiming for export, everything must meet international standards – from raw materials and processing lines to packaging and preservation. These seemingly small details are crucial for survival when entering the global arena,” she said.

Ms. Mai Thi Y Nhi checks the quality of the products before packaging. Photo: Lan Anh.

It's not just about technology or techniques; what makes My Phuong Food unique is our love for local produce and our unwavering pursuit of quality. "We see each cake as a small ambassador telling a story about meticulousness, dedication, and love for our local produce," Ms. Y Nhi shared.

Boosting OCOP exports

Driven by the aspiration to bring his hometown's agricultural products to the world, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Son, Director of Huong Que Production - Processing - Import-Export Trading Company Limited (Da Nang), has persistently conquered the international market with distinctive products from the Tra My cinnamon region, such as sandals, shoe insoles, and ultra-fine cinnamon powder. Currently, these products are present in Germany, Hungary, France, the Czech Republic, and other countries, contributing to enhancing the value of cinnamon for the ethnic people of Nam Tra My.

According to Mr. Son, Tra My cinnamon stands out due to its high essential oil content and unique sweet, spicy, and pungent aroma. It has long been considered "High Mountain Jade Cinnamon," a tribute offered to the emperor during the Nguyen dynasty. However, for this agricultural product to reach a wider market, businesses must proactively overcome the stringent technical barriers of each market, improve product quality, ensure environmental friendliness, and meet international standards. Only when production and export are professionally organized can local agricultural products conquer global consumers.

Cinnamon-scented shoe insoles have gradually conquered the international market. Photo: Lan Anh.

The success of businesses like Huong Que and My Phuong Food demonstrates the practical effectiveness of the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program in Da Nang. In recent years, OCOP has become a "support system" for local production facilities to start up, develop distinctive products linked to supply chains, and expand their consumer markets.

To support OCOP (One Commune One Product) businesses, the city has implemented many practical support activities such as: investing in machinery and equipment, advising on packaging standards, developing distribution channels, and participating in domestic and international trade fairs. In addition, OCOP product display points at Han Market and Son Tra Night Market also help products directly reach locals and tourists.

According to Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hau, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Da Nang city, OCOP products are gradually affirming their value and reputation in the market, increasing revenue, and contributing to improving the income and quality of life for people in urban and rural areas.

“OCOP products from Da Nang city are not only present in the domestic market but also in international markets. We want to support their development in terms of design, processes, and standards so that exports can bring real value to producers and OCOP participants. OCOP products create additional income for people and generate jobs. Most importantly, they create value for the products and establish a labor chain,” Ms. Hau said.

Source: https://nongsanviet.nongnghiep.vn/dua-qua-que-xuat-ngoai-d762888.html