(VOVworld) – Vietnam is leading the world in pepper production and export, but the prices of its pepper remain low. To this end, Vietnam is focusing on building trademarks for sustainable pepper export.
Over the past 5 years, Vietnam’s annual pepper export has improved, reaching between 800 million USD and 1 billion USD with expanded markets. Vietnamese pepper is now sold in 80 countries and territories. Last year, pepper exports earned 810 million USD, making pepper one of Vietnam’s best selling agricultural items. This year Vietnam has exported more than 38 thousand tons worth more than 250 million USD, up 20% from the same period last year. Do Ha Nam, President of Vietnam Pepper Association, says:“Vietnam’s pepper exports have made giant strides forwards, accounting for nearly half of the world market share. Vietnam has played a role in setting pepper prices in the world”.
Despite large export volumes, Vietnam’s pepper industry is unstable. The link between producers, sales agents, and processors is lax. Technological advances in seedlings, farming, harvesting and processing are not being fully exploited. The sales of pepper are being manipulated by middlemen. For sustainable development, Vietnam will have to resolve current technological and market problems. Nguyen Ba Thinh is owner of a pepper farm in Chu Se district, Dac Lac province: “If business people buy unqualified pepper for export, the prestige of Vietnamese pepper will be affected. So we hope business people will certify those who meet quality standards to secure higher product values”.
The Vietnam Pepper Association in Chu Se district has established a center that helps farmers sell their products directly to exporters instead of to middlemen. According to the association, this model should be replicated. The 2 trademarks of Phu Quoc and Chu Se have been promoted. The government has agreed to partly finance these trade promotion activities. The association has organized fact-finding tours for its members in major markets such as Dubai and the EU. President of the Vietnam Pepper Association, Do Ha Nam, says Vietnam needs to map out a uniform development strategy involving functional agencies, farmers, processors, and exporters.“First of all, we need to boost communications on sustainable pepper development. Scientists should tell farmers how to grow high quality pepper, which should be certified to ensure stable export”, said Nam.