Quynh Phu: Maintaining and improving the quality of OCOP products.

In 2020, Quynh Phu district implemented the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program. After more than four years, the entire district has 22 products recognized as OCOP products. Determined to help these products reach a wider market, the district directed local authorities to strive to maintain brand recognition and improve product quality.

Quynh Coi rice crackers from Dong Hai commune are one of four products recognized as 4-star OCOP products in Quynh Phu district.

Focus on improving product quality.

Quynh Coi rice crackers, from Du Dai village, Dong Hai commune (Quynh Phu district), are one of the first products in Quynh Phu district to be recognized as a 4-star OCOP product in 2020. This is a traditional product of a decades-old craft village, therefore improving product quality is always a priority for the households involved.

Mr. Hoang Pho Nam, owner of the Quynh Coi rice cracker production facility, shared: "Rice crackers are a product frequently used in family meals, so the demand is high. Therefore, we are very meticulous in selecting ingredients. The rice used to make the crackers must come from reputable sources, free from impurities and mold; the production process must be safe, clean, and ensure food safety. Especially, when the product is recognized as a 4-star OCOP product with a barcode and traceability code, it will be an opportunity for the facility to supply more high-quality products to the market. Currently, the facility supplies an average of about 3 tons of crackers to the market each day, creating stable jobs for dozens of workers."

With the Lừng Hồng wine production facility in Quỳnh Giao commune (Quỳnh Phụ district), owned by Mr. Nguyễn Đức Lừng, in 2023, two of its products were recognized as 3-star OCOP products: glutinous rice wine made from golden flower rice and glutinous rice wine made with leaf yeast. Currently, the products are gradually establishing their reputation with customers.

Mr. Lừng shared: "Alcohol is a special consumer product, directly related to human health, so to get a satisfactory drop of alcohol, it has to go through many stages and strict control processes: the rice must be from a supplier that meets clean rice standards, the yeast must only be sourced from one producer, and when brewing, only one type of rice and one type of branded yeast are used to avoid affecting the reputation of the establishment. Currently, my family sells over 4,000 liters of alcohol each month to serve the market inside and outside the province. Since its establishment, the product has been highly appreciated by consumers for its quality, and we have initially built a reputation with customers."

The Lừng Hồng wine production facility in Quỳnh Giao commune (Quỳnh Phụ district) always focuses on improving product quality to maintain its brand reputation.

To help OCOP products reach a wider market.

Quynh Phu District currently has 22 products recognized as OCOP products, including 4 products achieving 4-star OCOP status and 18 products achieving 3-star OCOP status. According to regulations, after 3 years of OCOP certification, the relevant authorities will re-evaluate the criteria. If a product fails to meet the standards, it will be downgraded to a lower star rating or have its certification revoked. It is evident that while the One Commune One Product program brings many economic benefits to rural residents, the risk of OCOP products having their certifications revoked is very high if quality is not maintained. Therefore, for the sustainable development of OCOP products, it requires the efforts and dedication of stakeholders, local authorities, cooperatives, and businesses, who need to be flexible, have specific solutions, and develop long-term OCOP product development strategies.

According to Mr. Hoang Pho Nam, owner of Quynh Coi rice paper production facility: Currently, there is always competition among products, aiming for the best interests of consumers. For a product to reach a wider audience and gain recognition, quality must be the top priority. In recent years, our facility has invested 1.8 billion VND in purchasing high-capacity coating machines, boilers, slicing machines, and building a closed-loop factory; now, our products have barcodes and traceability codes, so they are highly trusted by consumers.

For Mr. Nguyen Duc Lung's liquor production facility, focusing on product promotion has been a priority. Mr. Lung stated: "Our family's liquor production facility has only been operating for over two years, so expanding the market is crucial. Besides improving product quality, we also focus on designing packaging and investing in advertising and promotion on e-commerce platforms, displaying at trade fairs, and at product showcases both within and outside the province... Through this, we hope our family's products will continue to grow and establish a strong market position."

Mr. Do Tien Cong, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Quynh Phu District, said: "To maintain and develop these products, Quynh Phu District and local authorities have always paid attention to supporting and accompanying the producers; at the same time, they have built a plan to guide the sustainable development of OCOP products, strengthening the role and supervision of local authorities in the development and evaluation of OCOP products, and providing timely support policies. In the coming time, the district and local authorities will work closely with producers to exchange and build development plans for each product, identify indicators that can still be improved in terms of points and rankings, and implement measures and guidance for producers to complete their dossiers. In addition, the district also requests relevant departments and units to support each producer in improving each criterion, ensuring the upgrading of product rankings, and resolutely striving to maintain and improve the quality of OCOP products."

Nguyen Cuong

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/4/196710/quynh-phu-giu-vung-va-nang-cao-chat-luong-san-pham-ocop