Bringing in $1 billion in just the first eight weeks of the year – a new "record" for Viet Nam's fruit and vegetable exports in 2026. In the first two months of the year, export turnover of fruits and vegetables increased by 60% compared to the same period last year. Significantly, this breakthrough is the result of a strong shift in mindset: from exporting raw materials to deep processing and standardizing the global supply chain. This is creating momentum for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables to confidently achieve their $10 billion target this year.

At the factory, processed coconut jelly products from Viet Nam are preparing to conquer markets from East Asia to Europe. No longer content with supplying raw materials, the company has chosen a more challenging but sustainable path: deep processing.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GC Food Joint Stock Company, stated: "We aim to increase production scale by approximately 30% annually to maintain market growth and meet market demand. Therefore, we are boldly applying modern machinery, equipment, and technology to production to improve product quality and gradually control and optimize production costs."

The "maturity" of the supply chain is the second factor helping Vietnamese fruits and vegetables score points. In the European market, strict regulations on chemical residue and environmental standards, which were previously barriers, have now become an advantage for companies that comply well.

Mr. Vincent Gothknecht, Head Representative in Viet Nam of I. Schroeder KG, shared: "The Vietnamese agricultural supply chain, from farmers and producers to exporters, is showing a greater understanding of the EU market than before. Technical factors such as chemical residue levels, environmental issues, and working conditions are all being well-complied. In fact, many countries in the region have failed to meet Europe's strict regulations. Therefore, this presents a great opportunity for many EU buyers to choose Viet Nam as a destination for purchasing quality agricultural products."

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, commented: "Neighboring countries like Thailand are currently facing many difficulties in exporting goods to the Chinese market. Shipping times are long, and logistics costs are higher. Meanwhile, in Viet Nam, roads and highways will be increasingly improved by 2026."

With the convergence of three factors: product quality, processing technology, and logistics infrastructure, Viet Nam's fruit and vegetable industry is facing a great opportunity to set a new record on the global agricultural map.

Source: VTV