Can Gio coconut nectar exported to the US for the first time.

Ho Chi Minh City – For the first time, products made from organic coconut nectar from Can Gio have been exported to the US, marking a journey to bring indigenous Vietnamese ingredients to conquer the international market.

Speaking to a reporter from the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper on the evening of May 28th, Mr. Phan Minh Tien, General Director of Vietnam Nipa Coconut Joint Stock Company (Vietnipa), said that the company had successfully exported its first shipment of concentrated coconut syrup, sugar, soy sauce, and food coloring made from organic nipa coconut syrup to the US market.

Products made from organic coconut nectar from Can Gio are being exported to the US market for the first time. Photo: MT

This is considered a significant milestone in the journey of bringing Vietnamese local ingredients to global consumers.

In the context of global consumers increasingly prioritizing natural products with transparent origins and local value, coconut nectar – a distinctive ingredient of the Can Gio mangrove biosphere – is gradually establishing itself in the market with a new image.

Seeing the potential of this native plant, Vietnipa has chosen a long-term path by developing coconut palm nectar into a high-end organic product ecosystem, meeting international standards and aligning with green consumption trends.

Product lines such as concentrated syrup, coconut sugar, food coloring, and soy sauce have now received numerous international organic certifications, including USDA Organic from the USA, EU Organic from the European Union, and JAS Organic from Japan.

In addition to expanding into international markets, this brand has also made its mark domestically with numerous accolades such as OCOP 4-star rating in Ho Chi Minh City, High-Quality Vietnamese Product, and Outstanding Rural Industrial Product.

Can Gio mangrove coconut growing area. Photo: MT

According to Mr. Phan Minh Tien, international certifications are not only a "passport" for products to enter the global market but also contribute to affirming the value of Vietnamese coconut nectar.

Following its range of natural spices and sweeteners, Vietnipa is expanding into the beverage sector with its line of canned fresh coconut syrup. This is seen as a strategic move to overcome the limitations of many traditional specialties, such as difficulty in preservation and accessibility to a wider consumer base.

The product is designed with a modern, convenient style, targeting young customers. Besides being a natural refreshing drink, canned coconut nectar can also be used flexibly in beverage preparation.

“We hope that coconut nectar will not only remain a local specialty but will also become a familiar ingredient and beverage in modern life. Developing canned products is the next step to expand access to both domestic and international markets,” Mr. Phan Minh Tien shared.

To reach international partners, Mr. Tien said that the company actively participates in many international processed food trade fairs in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as trade promotion programs organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center. Currently, Vietnipa is working with many partners from Canada, Australia, China, and Japan to expand its customer base.

Few would have imagined that the lush mangrove forests of Can Gio – a region associated with the unique mangrove ecosystem of Ho Chi Minh City – could now produce internationally certified organic products that conquer demanding markets.

Products made from Can Gio coconut nectar, which have achieved OCOP 4-star rating, are sold in modern supermarket chains. Photo: MT

According to Mr. Phan Minh Tien, the greatest value that the business aims for is not only the commercialization of products, but also creating sustainable livelihoods for local people. Previously, nipa palm trees were mainly harvested for their leaves or fresh fruit, which had low economic value. However, research has shown that the sap secreted from the nipa palm flower stalks is rich in minerals and has the potential to become a valuable commercial natural sweetener.

Every day, local people still navigate through the small canals in the mangrove forest to collect honey using traditional manual methods. The harvesting process does not involve cutting down trees or negatively impacting the ecosystem, thus contributing to preserving the greenness of the Can Gio mangrove forest.

This is also a factor that helps Vietnipa's products make an impression on the international market, where consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability and the story behind each product.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/mat-dua-nuoc-can-gio-lan-dau-xuat-khau-sang-my-d813685.html