Untapped potential

Vietnam is home to renowned tea-growing areas such as Thai Nguyen, Moc Chau, Ha Giang’s Shan Tuyet, and Lam Dong’s Oolong tea. These products are not only favored domestically but also highly regarded in the international market. However, the unfortunate reality is that most of Vietnam’s exported tea is sold as raw materials or processed for foreign brands, significantly limiting its added value.

According to the Vietnam Tea Association, in 2024, the country’s total tea cultivation area reached 128,000 hectares, with 230,000 tons of dried tea and 185,000 tons of finished tea produced. Despite this, export revenue was only US$250 million, with an average price of US$1.75 per kilogram, far lower than that of major tea exporting nations like India and Sri Lanka.

Explaining this situation, Hoang Vinh Long, chairman of the Vietnam Tea Association, stated, "The main reason lies in weak branding and marketing. While India, Sri Lanka, and China have successfully established strong tea brands, Vietnamese tea still lacks a distinct presence in the global market. Additionally, the lack of integration between production and processing has resulted in inconsistent product quality, making it difficult to compete internationally."

Another major challenge is the fragmentation of production. Currently, over 80% of tea-growing areas are managed by small-scale farmers, making it difficult to apply advanced technology and maintain quality control. Furthermore, the lack of a long-term development strategy and inconsistent investments hinder Vietnam's ability to access high-demand markets such as the EU, the US, and Japan.

Solutions to enhance the value of Vietnamese Tea

To fully tap into its potential and elevate its global standing, Vietnam's tea industry requires a comprehensive strategy. Chairman Hoang Vinh Long emphasized, "Building a value chain-based production model is key. Close collaboration between farmers, businesses, and processing facilities will ensure high-quality, stable products that meet international standards."

Entrepreneur and tea culture expert Pham Cong Tuan Ha also proposed adopting sustainable production standards, such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic certifications, to enhance product quality. He suggested, "Integrating tea with eco-tourism is another effective approach. Famous tea regions like Thai Nguyen, Moc Chau, Ha Giang, and Bao Loc can develop experiential tourism models that not only promote the product but also enhance brand value."

Economic expert Nguyen Minh Phong believes the tea industry should adopt a long-term strategy based on green and circular economies. He stressed, "Vietnam needs to develop a philosophy and cultural identity for its tea while simultaneously innovating technology, diversifying products, and expanding global promotional efforts."

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Phuong Thai, former Vice Rector of the University of Science – Thai Nguyen University, proposed a strategic solution to invest in education. "Teaching about tea and tea culture should be incorporated into the education system, from primary schools to universities. When people understand and take pride in Vietnamese tea, we can confidently introduce it to the world.", she said,

With its inherent strengths and the proper development strategies, Vietnamese tea has the potential to secure a strong position on the global map, becoming a true symbol of national pride.

Ample room ahead for Vietnamese tea exports to Indonesia

VOV.VN - Vietnamese firms are required to develop the nation’s tea brand and promote the high-quality tea segment and organic products in a bid to increase tea exports to the Indonesian market, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong.