Vikoda's journey to become the leading enterprise in alkaline mineral water

From a modest-sized unit, Khanh Hoa Mineral Water Joint Stock Company (Vikoda) has grown strongly, becoming a leading enterprise supplying alkaline mineral water not only domestically but also to foreign partners. On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of its establishment and development, Khanh Hoa Newspaper reporter had an interview with Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga - General Director of Khanh Hoa Mineral Water Joint Stock Company.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Tuan - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee with business leaders on Vikoda's 35th anniversary.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga - General Director of Khanh Hoa Mineral Water Joint Stock Company.

- Madam, over the past 35 years the company has gradually affirmed and improved its position in the minds of consumers. Could you please tell us about the milestones that created the brand?

Since its establishment in 1990, the company has experienced many difficulties and challenges. The most memorable milestones include 1978 when it officially published a research report on the properties, composition, uses and exploitation directions of Danh Thanh water source, or 1987 when it marked the first production of bottled drinking water.

In 1990, Dien Khanh Mineral Water Enterprise - the predecessor of Vikoda was born, located right at the source of natural mineral water in Danh Thanh village, Dien Tan commune, Dien Khanh district, Khanh Hoa province, starting the journey to bring consumers outstanding health care solutions.

In 2015, Vikoda officially became a member company of FIT Group - Vietnam's leading multi-industry group. Since officially becoming a member of FIT Group, the Company has made strong changes in scale, reputation and brand as well as being invested in a systematic system of production lines, machinery, equipment, factories, warehouses, etc.

In the last 5 years, the company's revenue growth rate has averaged 15%/year. Revenue in 2024 reached 350 billion VND, aiming for 1,000 billion VND in 2027.

All of these are not only milestones of development but also recognition of the company's achievements. Over the past 35 years, despite many difficulties and challenges, with the spirit of "Gems in Stone", we always see challenges as opportunities for us to develop. The journey of the past 35 years can be said to be "gained more than lost".

- Currently there are many alkaline mineral water products, is the difference between Vikoda natural alkaline mineral water and other products an opportunity for development?

In the bottled water industry, it is divided into two groups: natural water and artificial water. One factor to note about natural water is that it must be produced and bottled at the source, ensuring that the water source meets quality standards without going through any chemical processes and stages to preserve the most natural properties of the product. This is the difference from the source of Vikoda natural alkaline mineral water compared to bottled products on the market.

The trend of proactive health care has become increasingly popular after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is both an advantage for the company to bring good products to the market and an opportunity to inspire us to bring products to consumers and convey useful information.

Vikoda signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Vietnam Nutrition Association.

- After many years of business, has Vikoda's business philosophy had any significant changes, madam?

Vikoda is the first company I have led as CEO. However, I am very lucky that the corporate culture matches the personal culture that I have pursued.

Accordingly, the company implements 4 key strategies including: product strategy, market strategy, production strategy and human strategy to achieve sales of 40 million USD, consumption output of 1 million bottles/day.

Regarding product strategy, re-conduct clinical research of Danh Thanh natural alkaline mineral source. Regarding market strategy, develop multi-channel distribution network, covering 63 provinces and cities and exporting to countries around the world .

Regarding production strategy, investment projects continue to be implemented according to the roadmap, automating manual stages, ensuring to achieve new international certifications.

In particular, human resource strategy is always the core factor. Efforts are made to create a modern working environment, increase connections between individuals, affirm the value of individual contributions to the company and society, thereby attracting talent and being honored by society.

I always believe that happiness is a struggle like the spirit of "Gems in stone", without pressure there are no diamonds, this is also Vikoda's business philosophy.

- To realize the goal of elevating Vietnamese brands, could you please tell us about the company's future orientations?

We are oriented towards the mission of inspiring enjoyment of life with outstanding health care products and services. The most core is good health products - the guiding principle for all activities of organizing, implementing and supplying products to the market. Thereby, building a brand that is loved by consumers, bringing value to users, suitable for local culture and value to the community.

In the coming time, Vikoda will continuously expand its distribution system to contribute to promoting the economic - cultural - social development of each locality. The company will focus on improving and diversifying product lines, expanding distribution channels and customer files, meeting the increasingly diverse needs of the bottled water market.

With a long history and large investment from FIT Group, Vikoda is on track to become one of the top 5 domestic beverage companies in Vietnam, realizing the goal of elevating Vietnamese brands, protecting health and increasing benefits for consumers.

Thank you!

THANH NAM (Implementation)

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/thi-truong/202501/hanh-trinh-vikoda-tro-thanh-doanh-nghiep-dan-dau-ve-nuoc-khoang-kiem-9eb44fd/