Deep processing and bringing Tra Vinh specialty fruit far away

Take the makapuno coconut far away

Makapuno coconut is a famous specialty of Cau Ke district, Tra Vinh province. The makapuno grown here are of high quality, delicious, and are preferred by many consumers. To improve the value of local makapuno, Mr. Tran Duy Linh, a local young man, has researched and processed many products to improve the value.

Although only established for 3 years, Cau Ke Macapuno Processing Co., Ltd (Vicosap) owned by Mr. Tran Duy Linh, has brought to the market many delicious and popular products. Those products are original tase makapuno candy, pandan leaf taste makapuno candy, cocoa taste makapuno coconut candy, makapuno copra, crispy desiccated makapuno, crispy makapuno yogurt... The company's products have obtained many certifications such as ISO, HACCP, and FDA,...

In particular, the crispy makapuno product with Japanese cold-drying technology retains the flavor of makapuno. In addition, the company also launched Vicosap, a yogurt product made from makapuno, which was first present in Vietnam. The yogurt is fermented directly from the thick coconut milk of makapuno. Then it is processed by advance Japanese freeze-dried.

In particular, there are 5 product lines that are recognized as OCOP products from 3 to 4 stars. These are makapuno products with 3 flavors (original taste, pandan leaf flavor, cocoa flavor), makapuno fiber, and crispy makapuno yogurt. Each month, the unit sells to the market about 5 tons of makapuno candy and 15,000 jars of makapuno fibers.

Preparing to bring products to Thailand

Recently, from November 27 to 29, 2022, the Thailand - Vietnam Entrepreneurs Association in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand organized the Thailand - Vietnam - Laos Business Forum 2022. The forum is the place where product exhibitions, trade promotion, and technology exchange takes place. This is to strengthen trade, exchange, connect and form a network between Vietnamese businesses and Thai and Laotian businesses. In addition, the Forum is to introduce and promote the investment and business environment of Vietnam as well as encourage Thai investors and businesses to invest in Vietnam. This will promote the export of Vietnamese goods to the markets of Thailand and Laos.

At this event, customers in Thailand highly appreciated Vicosap makapuno products. They also looked forward to business cooperation to bring Vietnamese specialties to the world. Consequently, Vicosap company signed a cooperation agreement to distribute products with a large supermarket chain in Thailand.

“Currently, Vicosap Company is completing the documents so that this year there will be the first order through Thailand. The products submitted to experience are highly appreciated by customers, especially the products made from makapuno of Tra Vinh province, "said Mr. Tran Duy Linh.

Mr. Le Van Dong, Deputy Director of Tra Vinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said: Previously, makapuno was only sold as raw material and the value was only relative and not very high. Up to this point, the subject has implemented deep processing from 9-11 to the product. As a consequenc, it has brought makapuno to a very high class.

Notably, 4 products including makapuno, cocoa taste makapuno candy, pure makapuno candy, and pandan makapuno candy have been assessed by the Tra Vinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as having the potential to achieve 5-star OCOP. Currently, the Tra Vinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has supported completing the dossier and sending it to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to request the assessment and classification of national OCOP products.

Tra Vinh is a special province with the strongest growing makapuno variety in the country. The province has an existing makapuno area of 722.5ha (in which, makapuno embryo implanted accounts for 65.8ha). Makapuno is grown a lot in Cau Ke district with 714.4ha (60ha of makapuno embryo, equivalent to 1,521 trees); Chau Thanh district with 8.1 ha (makapuno embryo implanted accounts for 5.8 ha). Currently, Vicosap is a local pioneer in applying processing technology, helping to diversify products. The business is also a pioneer in improving the value of makapuno as well as creating job opportunities for local workers.