Hoa Binh exports forest honey and salted shallots to the UK for the first time

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hoa Binh Province, in partnership with R.Y.B Joint Stock Company (Hanoi), conducted the container loading event for the initial export shipment of salted shallots from Yen Thuy and forest honey from Kim Boi to the UK market on the morning of October 12.

Mr. Bui Duy Linh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hoa Binh, observed that the province has prioritized agricultural export activities, particularly critical products, in his discussion of the potential of the province's agricultural exports over the past three years.

This endeavor encourages the consumption of domestic products and the promotion of local agricultural products. Hoa Binh province has implemented a strategy of disseminating international standards and techniques in order to capitalize on local advantages and diversify export products.

The province has instituted solutions that include the establishment of certified growing and breeding areas, the standardization of production techniques, and the support of potential enterprises and cooperatives in agricultural production.

In order to facilitate this export shipment, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hoa Binh Province collaborated with the People's Committees of Yên Thuy and Kim Boi to provide guidance and support to production facilities in standardizing raw material areas and enhancing processing and packaging techniques to satisfy market demands, according to Mr. Linh.

Mr. Dinh Cong Thuan, Director of Green Life Cooperative (Kim Boi, Hoa Binh), disclosed that the cooperative, which comprises eleven members, generates and distributes pure honey. The cooperative has been implementing a particular production approach since 2017 to guarantee the quality of honey exported to the United Kingdom.

The members have implemented VietGAP standards in production and ISO22000 standards in processing to standardize processes, including care and harvest techniques and packaging. Mr. Thuan stated that the honey is stored at a moisture content of approximately 17% and below 35°C to guarantee that it satisfies the importer's quality standards after it is harvested.

He noticed that the initial trial shipment comprised 20 cartons, which correspond to approximately 250 jars of pure honey. Hoa Binh's OCOP products have achieved a significant milestone by entering one of the most competitive markets, despite their limited quantity.

The export packaging, ensuring compliance with export standards, and shipping to the import market are the responsibilities of R.Y.B Joint Stock Company. The company's Director, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huong, expressed her enthusiasm for the quality of Hoa Binh's OCOP products following the completion of surveys and evaluations.

In the UK market, Kim Boi's forest honey is competitive due to its distinctive flavor and unique viscosity, which are characterized by flora. Ms. Huong stressed that the United Kingdom is a demanding market with stringent regulations on food safety, traceability, and phytosanitary standards. However, adhering to these regulations and maintaining quality for exports will generate a promising future for market expansion.

Statistics indicated that 17 agricultural and forestry product export facilities were operational during the initial nine months of the year, with a total export volume of 891,679 tons, valued at over 228.34 billion VND. Bamboo shoots were exported to the Netherlands, Japan, and other countries, while tiny shrimp were shipped to South Korea. Pickled chili was exported to China, Taiwan, and the United States, and sugarcane, dracontomelon, tea, and cinnamon were also exported.