Vo Tranh is preparing for the winter tea harvest in preparation for Tet.

Every year, when the cold mist blankets the hillsides of Vo Tranh commune, it's time for the locals to begin their winter tea production season. In recent years, thanks to changes in farming methods, many tea plantations in Vo Tranh remain green despite the freezing temperatures. Although winter tea grows slowly and doesn't yield a large harvest, it brings the highest economic value of the year, especially during the Lunar New Year.

People in Vo Tranh commune harvesting tea. Photo: VD

We arrived in Vo Tranh on a bitterly cold winter day. On the hillsides, the locals were still busy harvesting from early morning, as soon as the mist lifted. The bustling atmosphere of work somewhat dispelled the chill of the monsoon wind.

Speaking with us, Mr. Hoang Van Tuan, Director of Phu Do Safe Tea Cooperative, said: This is the tea harvest with the highest selling prices of the year. Regularly processed dried tea sells for 120,000 to 800,000 VND/kg, depending on the type and quality. High-end varieties such as bud tea, shrimp bud tea, and specialty teas, which are popular as Tet gifts, can fetch prices from 1.5 to 5 million VND/kg.

Currently, Vo Tranh commune has over 2,600 hectares of tea plantations, with 35 cooperatives and 39 active tea-growing villages. In recent years, cooperatives have played a core role in organizing production, linking farmers, and applying advanced technical processes, especially for winter tea. This tea crop requires strict care, from fertilization and pest control to harvesting according to standards. In cold weather conditions, tea grows slowly, buds accumulate more nutrients, creating a deep aroma, rich flavor, and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. This is the key factor that makes Vo Tranh winter tea highly valued by the high-end market.

Recognizing the value of this special tea crop, cooperatives in the commune have proactively guided people to produce it according to safe, VietGAP standards and gradually transition to organic farming. Strict control from cultivation to processing ensures the quality of the winter tea.

Alongside raw material production, cooperatives are also promoting the application of science and technology in processing. To date, 100% of the commune's tea processing facilities have been equipped with modern machinery and closed processing areas. As a result, the processed tea retains its natural color, tightly curled leaves, distinct aroma, and rich flavor. These are important criteria for the product to meet the stringent requirements of the Tet gift market.

A significant advantage of winter tea is its timing. Unlike other tea harvests throughout the year, winter tea is primarily sold during the Lunar New Year, when the demand for gifts and tea appreciation increases sharply. Consumers are willing to pay higher prices for quality products with attractive packaging and clear origins. In fact, winter tea prices are often 20-30% higher than usual, especially for OCOP products and high-end branded teas. Many households linked with cooperatives gain a considerable additional income from this tea harvest.

According to Mr. Bui Phuong Thao, Chairman of the People's Committee of Vo Tranh commune, thanks to the outstanding effectiveness of winter tea cultivation, the locality has actively implemented support policies in accordance with Resolution No. 11-NQ/TU and Resolution No. 08/2025/NQ-HĐND of the province. The commune coordinates with specialized agencies to support VietGAP certification, guide safe production, and grant planting area codes to households and cooperatives.

Simultaneously, plans are being developed to support the cultivation of high-quality tea varieties, improve labeling and packaging, and invest in modern processing machinery such as gas or electric tea roasters, vacuum packaging machines, and cold storage facilities. In particular, promoting the product on digital platforms is identified as a crucial direction, helping Vo Tranh winter tea expand its market, stabilize output, and gradually establish its brand in the high-end consumer segment during the Lunar New Year season.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202601/vo-tranh-vao-vu-che-dong-don-tet-f6f381c/