"We have to make sure our limes stay fresh as long as possible"

The seedless lime is taking over in Vietnam. Although the fruit has only grown in Vietnam for 10 years and is relatively young, the suitable climate for cultivation as well as growers learning the ropes of producing the seedless lime, Vietnam is quickly rising in the international market for this fruit.

One of the companies taking advantage of the popularity is Eximline Co.,ltd, that was founded just in 2017 and is already producing 1,500 tonnes of seedless limes in it's first year. Steven Tri Le, sales manager for Eximline, feels they can produce a lot more next season: "We recognise the potential of the seedless lime. That's why we'll expand the Global GAP growing area, to quadruple the size next year. If successful, it means that the expect quantity would increase to 6,000 tonnes. That amount would ensure a stable supply throughout the year."

One of Vietnam's targeted markets for the seedless lime would be in Europe. The growers do face problems when it comes to infrastructure, as there is no way to deliver the limes quicker than 24 days after the order has been placed, Steven explains: "The minimum delivery time is 24 days and we can not change it. What we can do is make sure the product stays fresh by applying preservation methods. The thing that we can change here is the application of preservation methods that keep the product fresh. We apply technologies such as wax, but also use a long life bag. This way we can stay competitive in the international market."

For Eximline, Europe is the ultimate goal, as the competition in Vietnam is fierce: "Today more and more farmers in Vietnam see the economic potential that limes bring; so many farmers have boldly invested in the production of lime. But the number of farmers adopting a Global GAP in production is minimal, so most limes can only be supplied to the domestic market and to easy markets like Asia and the Middle East. This is where we have make sure our quality is always on par for the European market."

Taking over the European market isn't easy though, as the company faces competition from Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Israel, all of which can transport the limes a lot quicker than Vietnam can. "We do have customers in Poland, UK, and the Netherlands though and plan to expand towards France and even Canada. The road is long but we are willing to keep proving our limes are worth it." Steven concluded.

For more information;

Tri Le (Steven)
Eximline Co.,ltd

Mobile: (+84) 932 124 237

Email: sales01@eximline.vn