Demand for organic rice surges in Vietnam

Organic rice is increasingly being preferred by many Vietnamese consumers despite its higher prices, the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reports.
Organic rice is increasingly being preferred by many Vietnameseconsumers despite its higher prices, the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaperreports.

The rice has become more popular for several reasons,including clear labels of origin and production that follows organicstandards or national and international standards like VietGap andGlobalGap.

Ho Chi Minh City resident Pham Phuong Hong is one ofmany local residents who buy organic rice as well as fruit, vegetables,fish, meat at an organic food shop in District 3.

She says she prefers the rice because the labels show where and when the rice was planted and the date of harvest.

Companiesare investing more in organic rice and vegetables, including the CaMau-based Vien Phu Organic and Healthy Foods Joint Stock Corporation,which has received organic production certificates granted by the US andEU.

Vo Minh Khai, General Director of Vien Phu, said the companyinitially planned to export its organic rice to high-end markets butlocal demand had now surpassed export orders.

Co May Co Ltd in Dong Thap province has also been selling three kinds of rice under the Nosavina brand.

Thereis a QR (quick response) code on each of the rice packages that tracksthe product's origin, said Nham Ba Phuong, co-founder of Nosavina brandrice.

Consumers are concerned about quality, he said, but they are paying as much or more attention to the safety of the rice.

Forthat reason, the company invested 5 million USD to establish its ricematerial area and processing plant that meets HACCP standards, aninternationally recognised method of managing food safety and protectingconsumers, he said.

Along with organic rice, rice that containshigh nutrients and other ingredients that can assist medical treatmentis sold on the market.

Apart from white organic rice, Vien Phusupplies red, purple and black rice, Khai said, noting that this ricehas higher nutrients and minerals than normal rice. The prices rangefrom 45,000-75,000 VND (2.1-3.5 USD) per kilo.

Similarly, AnGiang Plant Protection Joint Stock Company has introduced to the marketVibigaba sprouted rice, which can help stabilise blood glucose levels ofdiabetics.-VNA

See more

Industrial factories in Tan Uyen city, the southern province of Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)

Investors upbeat about Vietnam’s industrial property market

Investors are bullish on Vietnam's industrial property market growth on the back of the nation's strategic location, sound infrastructure, and increasing demand for industrial space, particularly industrial parks that meet green standards, according to market research.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the EU Nguyen Van Thao addresses the forum (Photo: VNA)

Forum connects Vietnamese, Belgian busineses

The Vietnam-Belgian business forum took place in Brussels on October 23, offering a chance for enterprises of the two countries to introduce their products and explore new cooperation opportunities.

The expos cover over 6,000 sq.m, drawing over 210 exhibitors from 10 countries and territories. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi hosts textile & garment, fabric garment accessories expos

The Vietnam Hanoi Textile & Garment Industry and Fabric Garment Accessories Expos 2024 (HanoiTex & HanoiFabric 2024) is taking place in Hanoi on October 23 – 25 as part of a series of international exhibitions on Vietnam's textile and garment industry.

Representatives from Vietnamese and Lao agencies, localities and businesses at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam-Laos trade fair 2024 in Xiengkhouang province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos step up trade, tourism promotion

A Vietnam-Laos trade fair was kicked off in Phonsavanh township in Xiengkhouang province of Laos on October 23 as part of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the traditional day of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos (October 30, 1949 – 2024).

Illustrative photo (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Vietnamese goods enter US through global supply chain

The Saigon Co.op Distribution Company Limited (SCD) - a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Trade Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op), and STC Natural Vina Company on October 23 held a hand-over ceremony for goods that will be exported to the US.

Vietnam’s lobsters have clawed their way back onto Chinese menus after a suspension. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s lobsters claw back prominence in China

Vietnam’s lobster export to the Chinese market in January-September rose 33 folds year-on-year on the back of lower prices and stronger trade ties between the two nations, the South China Morning Post said on October 22.