Tapping into seaweed 'gold mine': Sea grapes reach out to the world

Diversifying products

In recent times, sea grapes in Khanh Hoa province have grown strongly and successfully expanded into global markets. The rising farming output has become a driving force for the development of processing facilities.

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According to the Dong Ninh Hoa Ward People's Committee, the local sea grape output reached 700 tons in 2024. In addition to selling fresh sea grapes, businesses have boldly invested in modern technology to produce a diverse range of high value-added products.

Mr. Le Dinh Khiem, Head of the Khanh Hoa Sub-Department of Fisheries, Seas and Islands, said that in the province, there are currently large-scale sea grape production and processing enterprises, such as DT Khanh Hoa Seaweed Joint Stock Company (DT Group) and Tri Tin Co., Ltd.

These companies have developed closed production chains, from seeds and harvesting to processing and export, while building linkages with farmer households. The units also pay special attention to technology application and quality control. It can be affirmed that post-harvest processing technology for seaweed in general and sea grapes in particular in Khanh Hoa has been modernized and upgraded to meet international standards.

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Mr. Nguyen Quang Duy, General Director of DT Group, shared, "For sea grapes to conquer international markets, we have applied centrifugal dehydration technology. Our products use 100% coarse salt and contain no preservatives, which helps preserve the original shape, color, and most importantly, the natural minerals and vitamins of fresh sea grapes. When soaked in water, the sea grapes expand, maintaining the same crispness and flavor as freshly harvested ones. Moreover, this technology is far superior to traditional drying methods, allowing for long-term preservation without the use of chemicals."

To meet the strict standards of international markets, Mr. Duy emphasized that sea grape-processing enterprises, including DT Group, must comply with rigorous quality control procedures.

The Head of the Khanh Hoa Sub-Department of Fisheries, Seas and Islands also affirmed that many enterprises have applied advanced processing lines such as drying, dehydration, deep freezing, and HACCP- and ISO-certified packaging to improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and meet the strict requirements of export markets.

In addition to dehydrated sea grapes, businesses have been diversifying into a wide range of high value-added seaweed products, including dried seaweed, seaweed snacks, seaweed jelly, seaweed soup, bird’s nest sea grape jelly, sea grape extract, and sea grape pearls.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Duy affirmed, "Currently, more than 70% of the province's sea grape output is exported to markets such as Japan, the U.S., and the EU. We are committed to ensuring that our products are clean, food-safe, and certified to meet international standards."

The main export markets for sea grapes now include Japan, the U.S., South Korea, China, and Singapore, bringing in a high value of about USD 6/kg for fresh sea grapes and USD 16–18/kg for dehydrated products.

Value chain linkage and development orientation

According to Mr. Le Minh Chau, Vice Chairman of the Dong Ninh Hoa Ward People's Committee, the locality has recently implemented many initiatives to support residents in developing sea grape-farming models.

Specifically, the ward has organized training programs on scientific and technical transfer, assisted farming facilities in joining the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program, and facilitated linkages between farmers and businesses for production, purchasing, and processing. Currently, six enterprises are participating in this value chain model, including Tri Tin Co., Ltd., DT Group, BUDOUYABPLUS Trading Co., Ltd., Xuan Quang Sea Grape Co., Ltd., Truong Tho Company, MUTIMEAL Co., Ltd., and GOYA Vietnam Co., Ltd.

To date, Dong Ninh Hoa ward has had seven sea grape products recognized under the OCOP program with ratings of three stars or higher. Notably, Tri Tin’s dehydrated sea grape product has achieved a 5-star rating, the first and only 5-star OCOP product in Khanh Hoa province. The Ward People’s Committee is also coordinating with Tri Tin Co., Ltd. and local farmers to implement safe agricultural production models that comply with VietGAP standards.

Recognizing the clear efficiency and identifying sea grapes as a key product with high economic value, in the coming time, the Dong Ninh Hoa Ward People's Committee will continue to promote production linkage models associated with processing and consumption. At the same time, the ward will implement measures to build the "Dong Ninh Hoa Sea Grape" brand, affirming its position as a Vietnamese specialty on the global agricultural product map.

Regarding development orientation, the Head of the Khanh Hoa Sub-Department of Fisheries, Seas and Islands said the province plans to promote offshore seaweed farming toward increasing productivity and targeting high-standard, sustainable, and food-safe exports.

The sector will diversify seaweed species and high-quality varieties while researching and introducing new, economically valuable species such as Porphyra seaweed, Sargassum seaweed, and Gracilaria seaweed. Special attention will be given to enhancing the added value of seaweed products through the development of deep-processed product lines that serve both the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

The Sub-Department will also establish seaweed farming cooperative groups to help farmers raise their awareness and facilitate collaboration among producers and with relevant units to ensure stable output. The sector aims to build synchronous linkage chains, expand VietGAP-certified farming areas, and develop the Khanh Hoa seaweed brand associated with geographical indications and the OCOP program.

According to numerous studies, seaweed in general and sea grapes in particular are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as essential minerals. In several Asian countries, such as Japan and Taiwan, sea grapes are highly favored and consumed as a green vegetable type thanks to their remarkable health benefits.