Statistics show exports were negligible in 2021, totaling just US$6,000, before rising to US$1.74 million in 2025, and US$3.4 million in just first two months of 2026.

This marks a year-on-year increase of more than 200,000%, the highest growth rate in the fruit and vegetable sector, although strawberries still account for only 0.34% of total export value.

The rapid rise highlights a broader shift in the industry, as businesses increasingly diversify into high-value products instead of relying solely on high-volume fruits such as durian, dragon fruit, bananas, and mangoes.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that Vietnamese strawberries are now exported to a wide range of markets, including China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the European Union, and the Middle East.

However, most exports are currently in processed forms, such as frozen or freeze-dried products, which account for the bulk of revenue. Fresh strawberries remain limited due to strict storage and transport requirements.

Nguyen noted that strawberries are a promising product with strong growth potential, especially as quality and preservation technology improve. At present, GlobalGAP-certified strawberries are mainly cultivated in Da Lat and Son La, the country’s two largest growing areas.

At present, GlobalGAP-certified strawberries are primarily cultivated in Da Lat and Son La, Vietnam’s two largest growing regions.

Globally, strawberries are considered a high-value crop, with competitiveness driven more by quality than volume. The Republic of Korea, for example, exports strawberries worth tens of millions of dollars annually while maintaining a strong quality-focused positioning.

With relatively low production costs and improving standards, Vietnam is well placed to target the mid-range segment, where demand for good-quality produce at competitive prices remains strong, particularly in Asia.

From just a few thousand dollars in exports a few years ago to millions today, strawberries are emerging as a potential new pillar of Vietnam’s agricultural sector, Nguyen said.

While large-scale expansion may take time, the fruit offers high value-added potential and could help diversify exports and reduce reliance on traditional crops. If challenges in preservation, logistics and market expansion are addressed, strawberries could become a competitive export niche based on quality rather than volume, he added.

Da Lat strawberry recognised among top ten specialties of Vietnam

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