Vietnam’s cashews, civet coffee and frozen banh mi catch international buyers’ eye

After the first two days of the September 3-5 event, buyers from the U.S., Japan, China, India and other markets gave positive feedback on a wide range of Vietnamese agricultural and processed food products.

Vietnamese specialties, farm produce draw strong interest

Vietnamese agricultural specialties, coffee, beverages and baked goods have emerged as major draws for international buyers, with many companies reporting strong interest and potential export leads.

Le Thi Thanh Hoa, director of Ho Chi Minh City-based LisaFood, said the company had met hundreds of potential customers interested in its cashews, sacha inchi nuts, macadamia nuts and rice.

A Japanese delegation proposed cooperation after sampling the company’s cashews, while a customer operating Vietnamese stores in the Czech Republic also expressed interest in importing the product.

Several U.S. firms showed interest in cashews and sacha inchi nuts.

Doan Ngoc Bich, director of Tam Trinh Coffee Import-Export Co. in Lam Dong Province, said the company had connected with numerous potential buyers.

With annual production capacity exceeding 25,000 tonnes and around 60 percent of output exported, the company sells green beans, roasted coffee and instant coffee and holds certifications required for markets including Europe, the U.S. and Japan.

Vietnamese beverage and bakery products were also well received.

A&B Investment Joint Stock Company, which offers more than 100 beverage products, said it had welcomed over 600 visits from international buyers, particularly from the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Nhat Huong Co., meanwhile, said many customers from Europe, South America and Asia repeatedly returned to sample its baked goods.

“Customers increasingly want products that are competitively priced, less sweet and convenient,” said sales director Chu Hoi.

The company is promoting cream cakes, chocolate products and frozen baked goods as it looks to expand beyond its current 17 export markets.

Buyers see potential, but price remains a hurdle

International buyers see strong potential in Vietnamese food and agricultural products, but say competitive pricing, consistent quality and reliable supply will be key to turning interest into import deals.

Prassep Yama, a buyer from India attending the event for the first time, said he had connected with hundreds of suppliers, particularly beverage producers.

“We previously looked for suppliers in China and have now come to Vietnam,” he said.

“Vietnamese products are generally more expensive and less diverse, but their flavors and packaging are more suitable for the Indian market.”

A Chinese buyer said he was particularly impressed by the variety of Vietnamese agricultural and seafood products, including dozens of dried fruit products made using different processing technologies.

Civet coffee, dehydrated sea grapes from Khanh Hoa and frozen baguettes and cream cakes that retain their flavor over long storage periods also stood out, he said.

However, he added that Vietnamese suppliers would need to guarantee stable volumes and consistent quality while offering more competitive prices to secure import contracts.

Vietnam’s trade office in Spain said six Spanish companies were attending this year’s event, with most giving positive feedback on Vietnamese agricultural, seafood and processed food products.