Great hope for organic food in Vietnam
HCM
City (VNS/VNA) - The shortage of organic foods in the country is
both an opportunity and a challenge for growers, a forum on organic agricultural
development was told on August 18.
“Solving problems related to brand and distribution” forum in HCM City heard
how Vietnam has optimal conditions to produce organic items such as vegetables,
fruits, rice, tea and fish.
The increasing demand for organic products means retailers are seeking
partnerships and investment opportunities in the organic agricultural sector.
Pham Phuong Thao, the founder of Organica, which grows and sells organic
produce, said everyone can see the great demand for organic food, especially
among high-income and health-conscious people.
For instance, her company is unable to meet demand, she said.
The short supply also offers foreign producers the opportunity to expand into
Vietnam, she said.
“Most Vietnamese customers do not have accurate information and always ask
questions about the quality of organic products.”
Raising consumers’ awareness and providing them with full information are her
missions in business and something she would recommend to people entering the
business, she said.
She trains her employees to provide information to customers, she said.
Nguyen Lam Vien, general director of Vinamit Joint Stock Company, said new
growers should opt for a shop-in-shop model at supermarkets or flea markets to
introduce and sell their products.
He cited an example of the “Phien cho Xanh - Tu te” (Green-Nice Market Day)
organic produce market held every Saturday and Sunday, where consumers can buy
directly from farmers.
“Supermarkets offer great convenience to growers thanks to their existing
customers,” he said, adding that organic farmers need to understand the demand and
supply situation to meet the needs of retailers.
Farmers can focus on just one unique organic product instead of many if they do
not have enough resources, he said.
They also could set up online businesses and advertise on social networks like
Facebook to save costs, he said.
Thao encouraged young people to enter the organic field but warned they would
face challenges, including high investment costs, problems related to customers
and getting international quality certification.
Young entrepreneurs should not focus too much on growth figures in the
beginning, she said.
“Developing organic products requires a lot of time and so young entrepreneurs
need a lot of patience.”-VNS/VNA