The unit that exported the first shipment of about 40 tons of pomelo to the United States was Chanh Thu Import-Export Group Joint Stock Company in Cho Lach district (Ben Tre). Vietnamese pomelo is the 7th fruit of our country allowed to be imported into the United States, after fruits: mango, longan, litchi, dragon fruit, rambutan and breast milk.
Currently, our country has 105,400 hectares of grapefruit cultivation, with an output of more than 900,000 tons; with diverse grapefruit varieties, specific to each region. Specifically, the Red River Delta has more than 13,000 hectares with an output of over 175,000 tons, the Northern Midlands and Mountains has more than 30,000 hectares with an output of more than 250,000 tons. Particularly, the Mekong Delta has about 32,000 hectares with an output of nearly 370,000 tons… This is a huge space and opportunity for Vietnamese fruit in general and fresh pomelo in particular to approach the US market.
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| Ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the first 40 tons of grapefruit exported to the United States. |
Mr. Tran Ngoc Tam – Chairman of Ben Tre Provincial People’s Committee – said that after nearly 6 years of registering to export Grapefruit to the United States, relevant agencies of Vietnam and the United States have actively negotiated and exchanged techniques. , especially issues related to plant quarantine, up to now the United States has officially imported fresh Vietnamese Grapefruit.
In recent years, Vietnamese agricultural products, especially fruits, have increasingly affirmed their position in the international market thanks to high quality, competitive prices and the active participation of businesses in the market. global supply chain.
Vegetables in general and fruits in particular are one of Vietnam’s key export products. In the first 10 months of 2022, the country’s total fruit and vegetable export turnover reached 2.76 billion USD. Fresh Grapefruit exports alone reached more than 3,200 tons, with the main export markets being the Netherlands, Germany, China, Canada… After a process of negotiation and appraisal, the United States has now officially imported Fresh Vietnamese Grapefruit.
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The first batch of grapefruit exported to the US. |
Currently, out of 7 Vietnamese fruit tree products exported to the US market, Ben Tre has 3 products including: Grapefruit, Longan, and Rambutan. With a grapefruit growing area of about 10,000 hectares, with an annual output of over 200,000 tons, the province has guided and supported people to take care of grapefruit gardens according to safety and quality standards. At the same time, focus on plant quarantine subjects of interest to the US side; Build planting areas, organize preliminary processing and post-harvest packaging to ensure compliance with regulations.
Currently, the whole province has been granted 25 area codes for growing green-skinned grapefruit exported to the EU and US markets; Particularly, for the US market, 11 codes have been granted with an area of 156.76 hectares and an output of 3,135 tons/year.
Chairman of Ben Tre Provincial People’s Committee said that the province’s agricultural sector is oriented towards specialized and modern development associated with scientific and technical progress; especially aimed at exporting key products in potential export markets.
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| Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam delivered a speech |
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam said that the official export event of the first batches of grapefruit held in Ben Tre is not only the pride of Ben Tre grapefruit growers but also the common joy of fruit growers. grapefruit nationwide. At the same time, this is a very important event because official export of grapefruit will help Vietnamese businesses have the opportunity to access the large US market and also one of the most demanding markets. At the same time, it also helps businesses and farmers earn higher profits from this specialty fruit.
“In order to have the first batches of grapefruit officially exported today, grapefruit growing areas and packaging facilities had to prepare and undergo many inspections by specialized agencies of the two countries, meeting the needs of the two countries. Meets requirements for quarantine and control of harmful organisms, food safety and hygiene, and does not contain excess pesticide residue; Follow proper packaging specifications and ensure accurate traceability,” Mr. Nam said.
According to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the US market is the most difficult market to enter, but the demand for importing fresh fruits is still very large. Therefore, in order to meet and maintain export sources, there will be a lot of work ahead. “I hope that when facing each difficulty and challenge, we can stay calm with the spirit of “willing to change, proactively changing”, with the same approach of “thinking open, acting fast, “real results”, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasized.
