4-star OCOP fish sauce and the path to export.

When mentioning fish sauce from Phan Thiet in particular and Binh Thuan in general, not only people in Vietnam but also foreigners praise its uniquely delicious and rich flavor after trying it once. Perhaps it is thanks to the secret fermentation process and a history of over 300 years that the Phan Thiet fish sauce brand has become unparalleled.

Brand building

Through the implementation of the OCOP program, traditional fish sauce products are being researched and developed by households to meet the criteria of the One Commune One Product program, gradually enhancing the brand in terms of design and quality, not only to meet the domestic market but also to move towards export.

Traditional fish sauce product achieves OCOP 4-star standard. (Photo: N. Lân)

Mr. Nguyen Huu Dung, Director of Ba Hai Co., Ltd., said, “To produce a traditional fish sauce with rich flavor, selecting anchovy raw materials is crucial. Fortunately, Binh Thuan has a rare upwelling area, so the anchovies are always plump and delicious. Combined with a unique fermentation formula and a long fermentation time of 12-15 months, traditional Phan Thiet fish sauce is more popular than that of other coastal areas. Ba Hai fish sauce not only achieves OCOP 4-star quality but is also ISO certified and meets the standards for export to markets such as the US, Canada, and South Korea. Through the OCOP program, Ba Hai fish sauce has become more widely known and trusted by domestic consumers. Currently, the company is expediting the procedures to export the fish sauce to other demanding markets.”

Fish sauce production facilities always prioritize food safety and hygiene standards. Photo: N.Lân.

Similar to Ba Hai fish sauce, Ca Den fish sauce, despite being established only in 2019, is gradually establishing its brand with products achieving OCOP 4-star certification. Mr. Huynh Van Dung – Director of Ca Den Co., Ltd. shared: “We use 100% fresh, fatty anchovies, no other fish, and no chemicals to increase shelf life or adjust the flavor of the fish sauce. Besides fish and salt, there are no artificial colors, thickeners, or MSG. We are researching and exploring the needs of potential markets such as Europe and Canada.”

Many tourists come to visit and learn about the traditional fish sauce making process.

Exports remain modest.

In particular, the recent news that the first shipment of traditional fish sauce "Ancient Fishing Village" from Phan Thiet has been officially exported to the US further confirms the quality and value of the product that the company has painstakingly created. After two years of completing the relevant legal procedures, the first shipment to the US from Seagull Co., Ltd. included three types of fish sauce, including vegetarian fish sauce and red-fleshed anchovy fish sauce, both fermented from anchovies harvested only in July and August each year.

Exporting fish sauce requires compliance with the strict standards of each market.

In recent times, the provincial authorities have supported fish sauce producers achieving OCOP 3-star and 4-star certifications in promoting their brands, finding customers, and expanding distribution channels. As a result, Phan Thiet fish sauce brands have appeared on many e-commerce platforms and in large and small supermarkets both within and outside the province, connecting with many customers from North to South. However, the export of fish sauce remains modest. According to fish sauce producers, the domestic market is still very promising, with insufficient supply and stable prices, while exporting fish sauce requires registration of geographical indications and compliance with strict standards of each market, making businesses hesitant.

Currently, authorities are guiding several companies through the procedures to ensure their OCOP products meet export standards for foreign markets. This will make the rich flavor of Phan Thiet fish sauce a more accessible part of daily meals for Vietnamese people living abroad.

Currently, Phan Thiet has many fish sauce products that have achieved OCOP 4-star certification and are highly appreciated by consumers inside and outside the province, such as: Ba Hai fish sauce, Tin fish sauce (Seagull Co., Ltd.); Phan Thiet Mui Ne fish sauce and Suchi pure anchovy fish sauce (Phan Thiet - Mui Ne Fish Sauce Processing and Export Joint Stock Company); Toan Huong fish sauce (Toan Huong Phan Thiet Co., Ltd.), Ca Den fish sauce…

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/nuoc-mam-ocop-4-sao-and-the-road-to-export-126095.html