From tradition to OCOP

Director of Mai Sao Lang Son Cooperative checks labels of chili bamboo shoot products

Previously, in Man Duong village, every time Tet came, people would make khau nhuc and lap xuong to eat or give to relatives. With the desire to preserve and promote the culinary flavors of the homeland, bringing products to consumers in and outside the province, in August 2023, Mai Sao Lang Son Cooperative was established with 8 members, specializing in producing hometown specialties.

Recalling the early days of the newly established cooperative, Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Nga, Director of Mai Sao Lang Son Cooperative, shared: When we started to turn these products into commodities, we identified many difficulties, from the processing stage to the consumption market. But I thought, if we did not do it, when would our hometown's specialties be known to many people?

At first, the Cooperative encountered many difficulties due to lack of experience, many batches of khau nhuc were spoiled. From there, Ms. Nga and the Cooperative members researched, learned from experience and found methods to create complete products. In early 2024, the Cooperative invested in a system of machinery such as meat slicers, steamers, seam machines... to process and can products. The packaging is also beautifully designed, with a QR code to trace the origin, ensuring food hygiene and safety. In September 2024, Mai Sao khau nhuc products achieved 3-star OCOP certification, and were favored and trusted by many customers.

Following that success, the Cooperative continues to invest in processing chili bamboo shoots and Chinese sausages. In order for the products to retain their traditional flavor while meeting safety standards, the Cooperative pays special attention to the processing process. For Chinese sausages, pork is carefully selected from safe farming households in the commune and neighboring communes. The meat is marinated with spices such as white wine, pepper, mountain ginger... according to traditional recipes. Thanks to that, Chinese sausages have a natural dark red color and a characteristic aroma.

As for chili bamboo shoots, they stand out for their moderate spiciness and crunchiness of thorny bamboo shoots. The entire process is carried out in a hygienic area, and the products are then bottled and labeled before being put on the market.

In October 2025, the above 2 products of the Cooperative continued to be certified as 3-star OCOP products, the consumption market expanded inside and outside the province. From the beginning of 2025 to now, the Cooperative has produced and consumed over 20,000 boxes of khau nhuc, 4-5 tons of lap xuong, 10,000 jars of chili bamboo shoots, with a total value of 1-2 billion VND, creating regular jobs for 7 local workers.

Ms. Hoang Thi Huyen, Dai Mo Ward, Hanoi City said: I once had the opportunity to go to Lang Son and enjoy many specialties here, among which, I was impressed by the khau nhuc and lap xuong products of Mai Sao Lang Son Cooperative because not only do they have a fragrant flavor, are very tasty but they are also very convenient to bring far away. Therefore, I often order the products to eat and as gifts.

Ms. Nong Thi Minh Hong, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Nhan Ly Commune, assessed: Mai Sao Lang Son Cooperative is a typical cooperative in the commune, diversifying and bringing local specialties far and wide. Not only doing business, the Cooperative also helps people change their production mindset, focusing on quality, building brands and preserving culinary cultural identity.

Not only stopping at the three products above, the Cooperative is producing and developing products of stewed pig's feet with traditional Chinese medicine and roast duck to participate in the evaluation and classification of OCOP products of the province at the end of 2025. Each product has a story, imbued with traditional flavors; gradually affirming its position, contributing to spreading the traditional flavors of Lang Son to consumers inside and outside the province.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/hanh-trinh-tu-huong-vi-truyen-thong-den-san-pham-ocop-5063012.html