Fruit and vegetable exports surge
(VOV) - Vietnam’s 2013 fruit and vegetable export value totalled US$724 million as of September 15, a 46.7% increase on last year’s benchmark.
Vietnam Customs reported the export earnings of these products hit US$35.6 million in the first half of September alone.
The high export growth is defying the general downward trend besetting other agricultural products.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetables are sold in 40 international markets, with its largest customers including China, USA, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union.
At the 2013 Asia Fruit Logistica International Trade Fair in Hong Kong, Vietnam’s produce was introduced to distributors and supermarket representatives from Singapore, China, Middle East, the European Union, and the USA.
A Vietnamese Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit) representative said the country’s produce exports have huge potential, noting international demand for fruit and vegetables is predicted to increase by 3.5–5% every year.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports could be valued at US$1 billion by the end of 2013 provided the sector focuses on specialties such as Binh Thuan dragon fruit, Bac Giang lychee, and Da Lat vegetables.
Exporters can also improve their competitiveness by maintaining excellent preservation practices after harvest and respecting quality and food safety standards.