Saigon Co.op expected to enter world's top 300 cooperatives early

On the evening of July 10, 2026, the Saigon Union of Trading Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op) hosted a gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Co.opmart retail brand (1996-2026). Centered on the theme "30 Years of a Vietnamese Brand - The Nation's Homemaker," the event honored the retailer's growth from a single supermarket into a national cornerstone.

Originating with Co.opmart Cong Quynh in 1996, the pure-play Vietnamese retail brand has grown alongside Ho Chi Minh City and the country's collective economy. Over three decades of market fluctuations, Co.opmart has cemented itself as a household name for millions of Vietnamese families.

Mr. Pham Trung Kien, General Director of Saigon Co.op, emphasized that after 30 years of development, Co.opmart serves as more than just a retail brand; it acts as a strategic bridge connecting producers with the market, driving consumption for agricultural produce, One Commune One Product (OCOP) items, and goods from nationwide cooperatives.

"In our development journey, we always believe that retail is not just about placing goods in consumer hands; it is about anchoring the distinct values of each region within the daily lives of Vietnamese families. Every product on our shelves carries the story of a farmer, a craftsman, and cooperatives striving to create value through labor and innovation," Mr. Kien shared.

Looking ahead, Mr. Kien stated that Saigon Co.op remains committed to building a modern retail system rich in Vietnamese identity. The cooperative will accelerate digital and green transformations, leverage advanced technology while preserving human-centric values, and expand its operational footprint while honoring its corporate social responsibilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Linh, Vice President of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, noted that Co.opmart’s 30-year track record provides vibrant proof of the viability and vitality of the cooperative model within a market economy.

According to Ms. Linh, Saigon Co.op has successfully established a nationwide modern retail grid, bringing Vietnamese goods closer to domestic consumers. This trajectory validates the state's strategic policies on driving a collective economy. "Co.opmart has proven that a cooperative framework can compete, expand, and lead the market if it puts people at the center, kindness as its foundation, and community benefit as its goal," Ms. Linh emphasized.

In charting the roadmap for the upcoming development phase, the leadership of the Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance requested that Saigon Co.op maintain its core role in the domestic distribution network. The enterprise must proactively secure essential goods, participate effectively in market stabilization programs, and help safeguard macro-economic security.

Concurrently, Saigon Co.op needs to prioritize technological innovation in corporate governance, logistics, e-commerce, and customer care to build a transparent and sustainable supply chain.

"We must nurture the ambition to expand globally, striving to place Saigon Co.op among the top 300 leading cooperatives worldwide according to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) rankings," Ms. Linh expressed. "This aligns with the targets of Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW, which aims to have at least three Vietnamese cooperatives in the global top 300 by 2045. We hope Saigon Co.op will cross the finish line well ahead of this 2045 target."

Ms. Linh further urged Saigon Co.op to strengthen its role as an incubator for domestic producers, helping premium cooperative goods reach wider consumer segments to support the "Vietnamese People Prioritize Vietnamese Goods" campaign.

"30 years ago, Saigon Co.op sowed a seed. Today, that seed has grown into a powerful testament that a cooperative model can compete and operate efficiently alongside corporate giants. This is a shared pride for Vietnam's entire collective economic sector," Ms. Linh concluded.

Saigon Co.op is Viet Nam's leading retailer, operating under a cooperative model. The enterprise owns the Co.opmart supermarket chain alongside a diverse convenience store network. Its extensive ecosystem spans from hypermarkets to neighborhood grocery stores, ensuring comprehensive and convenient access for all shoppers. The business always pioneers market stabilization, provides quality goods, and serves millions of consumers every day.