Can Tho to develop 103 OCOP products in 2026

In 2026, Can Tho City prioritizes the development of OCOP entities, such as cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, and women-led enterprises.

In addition to quantity targets, the city focuses on improving product quality and diversifying categories, with plans to develop 2 additional tourism OCOP products; upgrade at least 20% of products from 3 stars to 4 stars at the city level; and re-certify products whose 36-month certification period has expired.

To achieve these goals, Can Tho will support organizations and individuals in realizing production ideas, while promoting community-based and eco-tourism products. At the same time, it will maximize advantages in natural conditions, cultural and historical heritage, traditional craft villages, and indigenous knowledge to create distinctive, high-value-added products.

Notably, the city’s OCOP development orientation for 2026 emphasizes uniqueness, multi-value integration, and environmental friendliness. The application of technology in processing, branding, market expansion, and the promotion of green OCOP products is also identified as a key priority.

The Can Tho Office for Coordination of National Target Programs is responsible for implementing the OCOP Program locally, guiding communes and wards in applying new evaluation and classification criteria, and handling related documentation. It also receives product applications and advises the city’s evaluation council in assessing, classifying, announcing, and issuing certification decisions for qualified products.

Ms. Tran Thi My Phuong, representing Tran Van Hon business household (which recently had a product re-certified as 4-star OCOP), shared that maintaining the title requires continuous improvements in packaging, design, standardized production processes, and integration of QR codes for traceability, key factors in strengthening consumer trust.

Another highlight is the growth of food processing enterprises within the OCOP Program. Ms. Truong Hong My, representing Hai Son Pia Cake and Sausage Company, said the company currently has 8 products rated 4-star OCOP, such as salted egg custard pia cake, meat pia cake, and salted egg floss.

According to her, proactively innovating flavors to match consumer preferences is crucial. As a result, the company has achieved billion-VND revenues from domestic supermarket systems, while its products have also entered demanding markets such as Japan and the United States.

Currently, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City is responsible for inspecting and supervising compliance with food safety regulations during production by OCOP entities. The 2026 OCOP implementation plan has also been integrated into the agricultural restructuring project and extension programs.

To date, Can Tho has 903 OCOP products from 454 entities, including 4 five-star products, 242 four-star products, and 657 three-star products. Most products are in the ready-to-eat food category, while agricultural tourism and handicrafts remain relatively modest and unevenly developed.

Mr. Tran Phu Loc Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho, stated that the city is implementing comprehensive measures such as developing raw material areas, standardizing production processes, applying science and technology, investing in packaging and branding, building product stories, promoting digital transformation, and expanding distribution channels through e-commerce.

In addition, Can Tho is strengthening trade promotion, organizing fairs, providing business training, and linking OCOP products with tourism development, particularly community-based and agricultural experience models.

To ensure deeper OCOP development, Mr. Huynh Thanh Huu, Chief of the Office for Coordination of National Target Programs in Can Tho, emphasized three key factors: strict compliance with logo and labeling regulations according to star ratings; continuous improvement in packaging and design to attract modern consumers; and the development of stable raw material areas to meet large orders and avoid supply chain disruptions.