Rising Vietnam: A new force in fresh produce trade
Vietnam’s fresh produce sector is growing rapidly. What opportunities are emerging from new export markets, rising imports and evolving supply chains across South-East Asia?
Vietnam is one of South-East Asia’s most dynamic markets. With a growing economy and consumers keen to discover new products, the country is becoming increasingly important both as an import market and as an exporter of fresh produce. At the same time, its exports remain heavily focused on China – one enormous but dominant destination.
In Episode 8 of the second season of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Podcast, Fruitnet host Tom Joyce speaks with Siebe van Wijk of The Fruit Republic about Vietnam’s development in international fresh produce trade and the opportunities this is creating for growers, exporters and importers.
The discussion explores Vietnam’s growing exports of tropical fruit such as durian, bananas and dragon fruit, as well as new market opportunities for citrus including pomelos and limes. Van Wijk explains why gaining access to more markets in Asia, North America and Europe will be important if the sector is to reduce its long-term dependence on China.
The conversation also looks at the challenges facing growers. Smallholder farming remains the backbone of Vietnamese agriculture, while knowledge transfer, professional nursery production and applied research still need further development. Climate change is adding pressure in the Mekong Delta, particularly through saltwater intrusion and changing water availability. New irrigation systems, more resilient planting material and production in areas outside the delta are among the approaches being used to strengthen resilience.
What role could Vietnam play as a future supply base for Asia’s growing cities? And what still needs to happen for the country to realise its potential in a wider range of international markets?
Listen now and find out more.
This podcast episode was created in partnership with Fruitnet Media International.