Domestic consumers appear to be confused about information on domestically grown fruits and think the products are not safe enough, even though developed and neighboring markets have been buying Vietnam’s fruits for many years.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, deputy chair of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said at a press conference about the first HCM City Export Trade Fair on May 17 that veggie and fruit export turnover in the first four months of the year reached $1.39 billion, up 20 percent compared with the same period last year. 

Vietnam fruits are present in many choosy markets, including Japan, China, the US, Canada, Australia and South Korea, satisfying strict requirements set by the importing countries.

Tung explained that each import market is considered a playing field with its specific rules. Fruits which meet requirements to enter the US market May not automatically be able to enter the EU market. Similarly, products that can enter the EU market may not be accepted by the Chinese market.

To be eligible to export products to the US, Vietnam’s enterprises must be granted growing area codes and packing house codes from the US Department of Agriculture. 

Vietnam enterprises cannot export all kinds of fruits, but can only export products approved by the US after bilateral negotiations. It takes many years to conduct negotiations to get approval for a fruit to enter the US market. 

In late 2022, Vietnam’s pomelo got the right to enter the US market after eight years of negotiations. The products are now popular in the US market.

Meanwhile, the EU and Canada accept all kinds of Vietnam’s veggies and fruits without negotiations. However, if one of 36 active ingredients is found in Vietnam’s exports, Vietnam is put on a blacklist and the products are prevented from entering the markets.

While Vietnam has to satisfy requirements and overcome technical barriers to be able to export fruits, it doesn’t set technical barriers to control imports into its own market.

“We forget that Vietnam’s fruits are being consumed by developed and neighboring markets. Domestic consumers need to change their thoughts about domestic fruits,” Tung said.

Dinh Quang Khoi, marketing director of MM Mega Market Vietnam, said that Vietnam’s fruits are highly appreciated by partners. Once Vietnam’s produce can meet all technical barriers, they become irreplaceable. What Vietnam needs is doing the marketing better.

Viet Nam Net