Bringing Quang Nam products to the Japanese market

(QNO) - The fact that Quang Nam's fish sauce products are about to be officially exported to Japan not only opens up opportunities for a single enterprise but also poses an urgent requirement for OCOP production facilities in the province to change their production mindset, professionalize processes, and meet strict standards to gradually approach potential markets around the world.

Tam Tuoi fish sauce product changed label before exporting to the Japanese market. Photo: PHAN VINH

From Tam Tuoi fish sauce

These days, the atmosphere at the Tam Tuoi fish sauce production facility in Binh Duong commune (Thang Binh) has become busier than ever as the unit is in the final stages of completing the final stages to officially export the first batch of products to Japan at the end of May. This is the result of more than 6 months of efforts to standardize the production process, complete technical documents, and fully meet the standards of the world's most demanding market.

Mr. Ha Van Thuan - Director of Tam Tuoi Trading and Service Company Limited shared that, with the connection and support of Olivin Logistics Company Limited ( Ho Chi Minh City), the first fish sauce samples of the unit were brought to Japan for quality testing. The testing process does not only stop at microbiological and food safety indicators but also extends to strict requirements on production processes, traceability and packaging and labeling standards.

Tam Tuoi fish sauce is a brand that has affirmed its quality, maintained and developed for many years in the domestic market. Photo: NGUYEN DIEN NGOC

After passing three tests, Japanese experts directly visited the factory and evaluated each processing stage before agreeing to allow the product to enter their domestic market.

“

To get this shipment, we not only had to invest in upgrading the factory and equipment, but also had to change the entire production mindset, learn how to work professionally according to international standards. From recording production logs, controlling input materials to completing legal documents, everything had to be done seriously and methodically. This is the first step for us to continue expanding to other markets in the future.

Mr. Ha Van Thuan - Director of Tam Tuoi Trading and Service Company Limited

Not stopping at fish sauce, Olivin Logistics Company is currently continuing to promote bringing some other products of Quang Nam such as Quang noodles, vermicelli, and dried pho of the Hapinut (Dai Loc) brand to the Japanese market.

Quang Nam has many products suitable for the Japanese market in the food sector. Photo: PHAN VINH

According to Mr. Huynh Trung Trong - Director of the company, Olivin Logistics has established a representative office in Japan to research the market, grasp consumer demand and connect with distributors here. The company has also built a team of Japanese experts to support quality control, packaging design, and labels suitable for local tastes, helping Vietnamese products to more easily reach Japanese consumers.

The deciding factors

According to Mr. Trong, in order for Vietnamese products in general and Quang Nam OCOP products in particular to conquer the Japanese market, businesses need to focus on synchronizing many factors from product quality, production standards to market strategy and packaging design. In particular, changing the production mindset towards "market research first, production later" is a prerequisite to ensure that the products made have a real consumer market.

Olivin Logistics Company Limited (Ho Chi Minh City) signed cooperation agreements with a number of foreign enterprises to bring Vietnamese products further afield. Photo: PHUC HOANG

Mr. Trong analyzed: “Many businesses today still follow the old way of making products and then finding ways to sell them, while the international market requires manufacturers to clearly understand the consumer needs and usage habits of local people. For example, fish sauce is a new product that the Japanese have approached in recent years, the consumption demand is increasing but still at a modest level and is only concentrated in certain customer groups. Therefore, if not carefully researched, widespread production will lead to backlog and unsaleable products.”

“

In addition, packaging and labeling are also considered the “gateway” for products to reach international consumers. Many OCOP products today, although of good quality, lack investment in packaging and label design, and do not meet the language and product information requirements of the importing country. Many products even use images and colors that are not suitable for foreign consumers’ tastes, leading to difficulty in competing in the market.

Mr. Huynh Trung Trong - Director of Olivin Logistics Company

Besides improving product quality, manufacturers also need to pay attention to surveying market demand. Photo: PHAN VINH

To overcome this situation, Olivin Logistics has built a professional design team in Japan, directly supporting Vietnamese businesses to redesign packaging and labels to best suit the needs and tastes of local consumers. The company also advises businesses to complete legal documents, apply for international certifications such as organic certification, food safety certification, traceability, etc. to meet the conditions for circulation in the Japanese market and other demanding markets.

[VIDEO] - Mr. Huynh Trung Trong shares about the orientation to support the development of Vietnamese products abroad:

“Bringing a product to the Japanese market is the result of a coordinated effort from the manufacturer to the connecting unit and the distribution system. To maintain a position and expand its scale, businesses do not just stop at selling a batch of goods but need to build a long-term strategy, professionalize the entire production process, ensure stable quality and continuously upgrade products,” Mr. Trong emphasized.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/dua-san-pham-quang-nam-tiep-can-thi-truong-nhat-ban-3154604.html