Cooperative societies are keeping pace with the digital age.

(GLO) - Amidst the strong spread of digital transformation into every aspect of life, cooperatives in Gia Lai are demonstrating dynamism and responsiveness by boldly "going online" to introduce and sell their products through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Facebook livestream.

This is a new trend, gradually changing the face of the collective economy towards a modern and sustainable direction.

Partnering with the Cooperative for Digitalization

From initial livestream sessions with only a few views, many cooperatives in mountainous and remote areas have now successfully expanded their product markets through online channels. The An Toan Agricultural and General Services Cooperative (An Toan commune) is a prime example. With over 32 members who are Bahnar farmers, the cooperative produces and sells various herbs, including Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Angelica sinensis, pineapple, and other medicinal plants.

Recognizing the potential of the digital environment, Ms. Mai Thi My Lam, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative, taught herself how to shoot videos , post content, and livestream sales. Initially, she only received a few orders a day, but now the number of customers and orders continues to increase.

Representatives from the My An Agricultural and Fisheries Service Cooperative (Phu My Dong commune) receive training on livestreaming sales at a workshop. Photo: HAI YEN

Ms. Mai Thi My Lam shared: "We not only sell products, but also introduce the land, the people, and the clean, closed-loop production process. Customers from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi , and even abroad are interested in the products of the people in the mountainous region. The cooperative currently has 5 signature products including: Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, Nẫu Ecofarm herbal foot soak powder, herbal throat spray, herbal shampoo, and herbal lozenges."

Among these, the herbal tea and foot soak powder have received OCOP certification. The cooperative also acts as a hub for purchasing, processing, and packaging products for tourist souvenirs and connects local people with markets through a trade promotion program in coordination with the Department of Industry and Trade.

Other cooperatives are gradually becoming accustomed to selling "hundreds of orders per livestream session." Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Anh, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Phuong Di Ia Grai Honey Cooperative (Ia Hrung commune), said: The cooperative is a pioneer in applying the VietGAP standard beekeeping process to 7,500 bee colonies. From 2019 to the present, the unit has continuously upgraded its online sales activities. Every week we livestream 1-2 sessions, introducing coffee flower honey, cashew flower honey, pollen, etc. On peak days, we close hundreds of orders in just 60 minutes of livestreaming.

Meanwhile, the Nam Yang Agricultural and Service Cooperative (Kon Gang commune), with 120 members, producing 80 hectares of pepper and 120 hectares of organic coffee, has effectively utilized digital platforms to spread its brand. Products such as black pepper, red pepper, coffee beans and powder, and paper filter coffee under the brands Le Chi Pepper and Dak Yang Coffee not only participate in major trade fairs but are also promoted through livestream sessions at shopping malls, TikTok, and e-commerce platforms.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, Deputy Director of Nam Yang Agricultural and Service Cooperative, affirmed: "Livestreaming helps us get closer to consumers, especially young customers who prefer clean products with a clear brand story."

Keeping pace with trends, expanding into larger markets.

Besides the cooperatives' own efforts, many organizations and businesses have stepped in to support the digital transformation process. Mr. Huynh Van Nam, Director of Jin Pro Network Media and Entertainment Joint Stock Company, said: "At the Trade Promotion Fair for Cooperatives in Central and Western Vietnam at the end of June 2025, we guided cooperatives on how to create TikTok booths, handle technical issues, and practice livestreaming, from how to speak and present products to how to interact with and retain viewers."

The Phuong Di Ia Grai Honey Cooperative (Ia Hrung commune), along with leaders from the former Gia Lai Department of Industry and Trade, directly livestreamed product sales at a workshop organized by the department. Photo: HAI YEN

According to Mr. Nam, many cooperatives have had their accounts and shopping carts locked due to violations of platform policies because they did not fully understand how to operate. Through the training, trainees from cooperatives quickly grasped and effectively handled situations in introducing and selling products through the e-commerce platform.

The Department of Industry and Trade is also stepping up programs to support cooperatives in digital transformation. According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Kha, Deputy Director of the Department, these activities include: creating online stores on Shopee and Lazada; supporting product photography and videography; writing SEO-optimized descriptions; and training in livestreaming sales…

In addition, the Department connects with providers of electronic payment services, goods transportation, and supports the development of separate websites for promising cooperatives. In particular, the local e-commerce platform is being upgraded to connect the consumption of OCOP products and regional specialties more effectively.

E-commerce and livestreaming sales are no longer the domain of large corporations. The story of small cooperatives in remote areas boldly adopting digital platforms, promoting their products, and packaging and shipping them nationwide is vivid proof of the innovative spirit in agriculture, increasing the value of agricultural products and asserting their position in a highly competitive market.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/hop-tac-xa-bat-nhip-thoi-dai-so-post330694.html