Gifts from the forest and the sea reach far and wide.

From familiar products of the mountains, forests, and seas, through modern distribution channels, local specialties are gradually expanding their markets.

Local specialties

When mentioning Dak Lak's specialties, coffee is always a prime example. In recent years, many organizations and businesses in the province have strived to bring local coffee to the international market. A prime example is EDE Farm Trade and Service Company Limited, with its MISS EDE coffee and chocolate brand – a pioneering enterprise in Dak Lak exporting processed coffee under its own brand through official channels. In 2025, with the support of various organizations and units, MISS EDE participated in many major international exhibitions, contributing to promoting Vietnamese Robusta specialty coffee and expanding its distribution system. As a result, MISS EDE's finished coffee products have been officially exported to many markets, including the United States, becoming the second finished coffee brand from Dak Lak to achieve multi-market export capability.

Representatives from MISS EDE participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the trade of Vietnamese Robusta specialty coffee in the South Korean market.

Mr. Hoang Danh Huu, founder and Chairman of the Board of Members of MISS EDE, shared that, in addition to production and business activities, MISS EDE actively participates in promoting the industry, coordinating with other units to promote Vietnamese Robusta coffee. It also acts as a bridge to facilitate the signing of memoranda of cooperation to expand the market space for Vietnamese Robusta specialty coffee.

Continuing the traditional craft passed down from their ancestors, after many years of preservation and development, the Long Thuy traditional fish sauce village now has more than 50 production facilities of various sizes, with 8 fish sauce products achieving OCOP 3-star certification, such as Ngan My A and Hong Gia Phuc. For the people in this village, every drop of fish sauce extracted is not just a commercial product, but also the culmination of the sea, of time, and above all, the trust they have placed in consumers. Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, owner of the Hong Gia Phuc fish sauce production facility, said: “Good fish sauce that can't reach a wider market is difficult to make a living from. Therefore, to aim for sustainable and long-term development, in addition to preserving the traditional fish sauce making techniques, I have invested in machinery and actively applied science and technology to production to improve quality and efficiency. As a result, traditional fish sauce products are increasingly meeting the needs of consumers in many provinces and cities nationwide and reaching international markets.”

Opening up the market

A common thread in the journey of bringing "gifts from the forest and sea" to a wider market is the shift from small-scale production to commodity production based on market demand. Producers are increasingly focusing on quality standards, packaging, and brand storytelling, thereby conveying the value of their origins and local culture to create differentiation. It is this element of identity that creates distinction, helping local specialties find their place in an increasingly competitive market.

MISS EDE has participated in many large-scale international exhibitions in various countries, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam's specialty Robusta coffee.

Along with the efforts of businesses, there has been active support from all levels of government and organizations. Through the improvement of mechanisms and policies, the enhancement of the investment environment, support for trade promotion, and market expansion, Dak Lak province has created favorable conditions for its distinctive products to leverage their advantages and gradually assert their position in the market. Many programs supporting businesses in technological innovation, brand building, and the development of OCOP products have been effectively implemented, becoming an important foundation for production and consumption activities.

Hong Gia Phuc fish sauce is a product of Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong.

According to Huynh Van Dung, Chairman of the Provincial Business Association, in 2025, the Association organized many business delegations to participate in programs such as supply chain connection and participation in domestic and international trade fairs and exhibitions. At the same time, the Association also supported businesses in brand building, skills training, market information dissemination, connecting retail outlets, and applying technology and digital transformation to expand product reach and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses.

Ho Nhu - Kha Le

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202602/qua-rung-qua-bien-vuon-xa-f457bb7/