2 major Vietnamese retailers listed as partners of scandal-hit Halong Canfoco

Authorities in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam recently uncovered more than 130 metric tons of pork infected with African swine fever stored at facilities belonging to Halong Canfoco, fully known as Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Corporation.

The meat was found to be spoiled, leaking fluid, and emitting foul odors, failing to meet food safety and hygiene standards.

Of the total volume, around two metric tons had already been processed into canned meat products, posing a potential health risk if released onto the market.

Law enforcement agencies sealed the warehouses, collected samples for testing, and destroyed the entire quantity of infected meat.

The case has affected consumer sentiment, particularly toward canned meat and processed food products.

Several retailers said they are closely monitoring developments and awaiting official conclusions from authorities before making further decisions.

According to Halong Canfoco’s consolidated midyear 2025 financial report, released in late August, the company’s customer base is concentrated among several large partners in the retail and food and beverage sectors.

Notably, these include Highland Coffee Services JSC Branch, which operates the Highlands Coffee chain, and Wincommerce JSC.

As of June 30, 2025, short-term receivables from Highland Coffee Services JSC Branch were recorded at more than VND3.06 billion (US$117,000).

Meanwhile, Wincommerce, the operator of the WinMart and WinMart+ retail chains, had receivables exceeding VND7.07 billion ($270,000), for which the company had set aside a provision of more than VND253 million ($9,610).

In addition to these partners, Halong Canfoco has previously supplied products to several major supermarket chains in the country, including Saigon Co.op, MM Mega Market, and Central Retail.

The company has also sold products through popular e-commerce platforms in Vietnam.

Following the discovery of the infected meat, many supermarkets and online marketplaces removed Halong Canfoco products from shelves.

MM Mega Market confirmed that it had withdrawn all related products nationwide.

Kingfood Mart said it had removed 100 percent of the company’s products and is coordinating with the supplier to return inventory already received.

Similarly, Central Retail stated it had temporarily removed all pork-based processed products from Halong Canfoco until authorities issue a final conclusion.

Bach Hoa Xanh reported not only pulling the products but also applying customer support policies allowing returns and exchanges.

Retailers emphasized that suppliers are required to meet strict documentation and certification standards related to product origin and quality before entering distribution systems.

They said they will continue to closely follow official guidance and strengthen food safety controls.

Halong Canfoco has issued a written explanation regarding media reports, stating that the violating raw materials were not used in production or supplied to the market.

The company said products currently in circulation comply with food safety regulations and are monitored under internal control processes, while production and business operations remain stable.