A Vietnamese husk coconut exporter is aiming towards other markets, after the Chinese market became less interesting and the market is currently dominated by coconut processing companies. To find their way to the European market, certain certifications are required.
Jessica Nguyen is the sales manager for Mi Na Exports, a Vietnamese company growing husk coconuts amongst other produce. The coconuts have two seasons, one during periods of drought and other in the rainy season: “Agricultural products in general or coconut products in particular are more or less affected by the weather, at the peak of the dry season in Vietnam, often with drought and salinity. In this season, coconut has little yield, a coconut tree has less fruits than the rainy season, but it’s easier to find larger sizes and the coconut water is sweeter than during the rainy season. The situation will happen in reverse when the rainy season begins.”
At this point, the rainy season has started which does come with extra challenges: “At the time of rainy season, due to the moist environment, the coconut will be harder to dry. In addition, the high humidity will easily cause mold, so it must be treated against this mold or be treated with wind drying before packing. It will also be more difficult to maintain our normal volumes, but we still hope to be able to export three to four containers on a weekly basis.” Nguyen explains.
Mi Na Exports has been looking for different markets than China, which is normally their main market. “The demand for our products in the Chinese market is declining, so we are boosting exports of major products to the US, Korea, Turkey and the UAE. Currently we are registering Global GAP and Sedex for our farms to have more opportunities for the potential European market. We look forward to supplying coconut to many other countries around the world.”
For the short term, Mi Na Exports wants to increase the volumes of their coconuts, Nguyen says. “Our main goals are increasing the export volume of husk coconut, improve the packaging style and expand to new markets. The ultimate goals it to increase the popularity of Vietnamese coconuts within these countries, so we no longer have to depends on the demand of the Chinese market.” Nguyen concludes.
For more information:
Steven Le
Mi Na import export JSC
Tel: + 84 932124237
Email: steven@minaexport.net
www.minafruit.net