The province's OCOP products have become exquisite gifts, rich in cultural value.
These "gifts from the countryside" transcend the village boundaries.
Once a delicacy offered to the emperor, the Sửu Chí Đám pomelo from Chí Đám commune remained quietly in the gardens of local people for a long time, little known to the public. The real turning point came when this ancient pomelo variety was restored, branded, and recognized as an OCOP product.
Mr. Do Quoc Doan, who has been closely associated with the Suu pomelo trees in Chi Dam area for many years, shared: "The Suu pomelo from Chi Dam is famous for its distinctive aroma, sweet and refreshing taste, and juicy segments. At one point, due to market fluctuations and fragmented farming practices, this precious pomelo variety faced the risk of extinction. Since being identified as a key crop, with support for building raw material areas, standardizing production processes, and upgrading to OCOP (One Commune One Product) status, the Suu pomelo has not only 'revived' but has also become a representative product of this region, available in supermarkets and large shopping centers inside and outside the province."
The story of Sửu pomelo is a microcosm of Phú Thọ 's journey to elevate its OCOP (One Commune One Product) products. According to statistics, by the end of 2025, the province will have 698 OCOP products achieving 3 stars or higher, including 6 products achieving 5 stars. These figures not only reflect the scale but also demonstrate a fundamental shift from small-scale production to value chain development, aiming for standardization and sustainability.
Originating from a traditional craft village, Hung Lo rice noodles have become a source of pride for the people of the ancestral land.
Phu Tho's 5-star OCOP products today are the culmination of local knowledge, diligent labor, and innovative thinking. Hung Lo rice noodles are a vivid example. From a centuries-old craft village, Hung Lo rice noodles have standardized their production process, invested in a closed-loop drying system, modern packaging, and affixed traceability labels, meeting the stringent requirements of the market and becoming a source of pride for the ancestral land.
Alongside these are the premium Dinh tea from Hoai Trung Tea Co., Ltd., and the Thanh Ba purple bud tea from UT Tea Investment and Development Co., Ltd., products considered the "essence of the land and people of the midland region." The harmonious combination of endemic tea varieties, rigorous cultivation processes, and modern processing technology has helped these products win over consumers with both their quality and the cultural stories behind them.
The glutinous rice product "Trứng Khe" from the Miền Đồi Agricultural Cooperative in Mường Vang commune has been elevated to a higher level by achieving OCOP 3-star status.
Not content with traditional agricultural products, many businesses have boldly innovated their thinking, increasing the added value of local produce. Products like ready-to-cook dried bamboo shoots and pre-sliced sour bamboo shoots from Kim Boi Joint Stock Company, or the "Con Cui Gift Set" from Lita Foods Joint Stock Company, are examples of this creative approach, transforming familiar mountain and forest products into convenient goods suitable for modern life. Notably, Phu Tho currently has four potential 5-star OCOP products from Tam Dao Beekeeping Joint Stock Company that are being submitted to the Central OCOP Council for evaluation and ranking. This shows that the potential for developing high-quality local products remains very large if properly invested in and directed.
At the grassroots level, cooperatives and individual producers are the "pillars" of preserving traditional values. The Yen Tri agricultural cooperative, with its products such as black sesame extract, milk thistle extract, and Gắm extract, has proven that familiar Vietnamese medicinal plants, if invested in technology, standardized processes, and brand building, can create modern, high - value health care products while still retaining the "soul" of the traditional craft.
From local produce to drivers of sustainable development
According to Mr. Nguyen Huy Nhuan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Phu Tho province, the highlight of Phu Tho's OCOP development is its sustainable and inclusive approach, linking production with rural development and ensuring social welfare. The province currently has 1,148 agricultural cooperatives, over 1,200 farms meeting the criteria, along with 20 traditional craft villages and 95 craft villages. This is an important foundation for OCOP not only to create marketable products but also to provide stable livelihoods for rural people.
The herbal extract products of Yen Tri Agricultural Cooperative have been recognized as OCOP products, contributing to the development and preservation of the local traditional craft.
The OCOP program has made a positive contribution to poverty reduction and improving people's lives. The poverty rate in Phu Tho is estimated to have decreased to 2.71%; the program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses has been completed with 10,800 houses. These telling figures demonstrate the widespread effectiveness of economic development linked to improving living standards and preserving cultural identity. At stores specializing in OCOP products, each product is not just displayed as an item, but also tells a "story of the homeland." From packets of rice noodles, boxes of tea, bottles of honey to jars of herbal balm, all carry memories of the countryside, becoming exquisite gifts rich in cultural value.
Ms. Trinh Thi Thuy's shop in Hoa Binh ward specializes in selling OCOP (One Commune One Product) products.
In the coming period, Phu Tho will continue to identify OCOP (One Commune One Product) as a pillar in rural economic development. Promoting digital transformation, strengthening quality control, ensuring food safety, and linking OCOP with ecotourism and cultural experiences are strategic steps. In this way, each OCOP product will not only be a commodity on the market but also a symbol of local excellence, pride, and the aspiration for progress of the people of Phu Tho.
Manh Hung
Source: https://baophutho.vn/san-pham-ocop-khi-tinh-hoa-ban-dia-tro-thanh-dong-luc-phat-trien-245607.htm
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