Berlin (VNA) – A Vietnam – Germany forum on promoting sustainable agricultural and spice trade took place at Anuga 2025, the world’s largest food and beverage trade fair, held in Germany's Cologne city from October 4 to 8.
Jointly organised by the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) and the Vietnam Trade Office in Germany, the forum connected Vietnamese exporters of pepper, spices, and farm produce with German and European importers, distributors, and partners, aiming to build sustainable, transparent, and responsible supply chains and expand cooperation for long-term growth.
The event drew a large number of business representatives, VPSA Chairwoman Hoang Thi Lien, Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in Germany Dang Thi Thanh Phuong, and Gudrun Grosse, head of international affairs at the Cologne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
Lien described Germany as Vietnam’s backbone market in Europe. Agricultural products of Vietnam, including spices, often transit Germany and the Netherlands before reaching other European destinations. With the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in place, Vietnamese exporters enjoy greater access and competitive advantages.
She said in the mixed export performance during the first eight months of 2025, pepper shipments dropped 9.4% year-on-year, star anise fell 36.3%, but cinnamon surged 32%. Overall spice exports to Europe declined compared with the same period of 2024.
Despite current global slowdowns and macroeconomic policy adjustments in major markets like the US and China, Lien stressed pepper and spices remain promising industries, and that the VPSA continues working with farmers, exporters, and authorities to create a favourable export environment and reduce barriers so that businesses can focus on export and marketshare expansion.
Gudrun Grosse highlighted Cologne’s role as a major international trade hub and praised Vietnam’s achievements in recent years. She noted that the EVFTA has deepened bilateral economic relations and that German companies are increasingly interested in Vietnam in terms of not only consumder goods but also many other sectors like auto parts, adding many of them are seeking alternative sourcing markets and Vietnam is emerging as a worthy choice.
She also expressed her belief in a bright prospect for pepper and spice trading.
The VPSA delegation to Anuga 2025 included 24 leading companies, showcasing products such as pepper, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, turmeric, and chili. Vietnamese firms presented goods certified under HACCP, ISO, BRC, Halal, Kosher, and organic (EU/USDA) standards, meeting Europe’s strict requirements for quality, safety, and traceability.
Themed “Sustainable Growth”, Anuga 2025 brought together over 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries, underscoring the global food industry’s innovation and diversity./.
