First U.S. peach and nectarine shipment arrive in Vietnam

On the afternoon of August 14, Klever Fruit held an event in Hanoi city to welcome the first shipment of U.S. peach and nectarine to Vietnam.

The event saw the participation of Ralph Bean, U.S. Agricultural Counselor to Vietnam; Marc Gilkey, South Asia-Pacific Regional Manager at the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); James Yi, Agricultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam; and Caroline Stringer, Trade Director at California Fresh Fruit Association.

In order to achieve this milestone, the two countries engaged in multiple rounds of technical negotiations over several years to dismantle phytosanitary barriers that have historically challenged the entry of California stone fruits into the Vietnamese market.

Assistant General Director Trang noted that the sensitive nature of peaches and nectarines, coupled with their appealing flavor, renders them susceptible to various pests. The risk of pest and disease has posed a significant challenge throughout the negotiation process. Californian peaches and nectarines were subject to six stringent requirements and tests for 40 types of pests and diseases.

Additionally, peach and nectarine farms must comply with strict standards regarding the cultivation, harvesting and storage processes. Californian peaches and nectarines were only able to reach Vietnamese consumers by overcoming these rigorous challenges.

"Klever Fruit is pleased with this new development in agricultural cooperation between the two countries. This expansion in trade will increase bilateral import and export volumes. Vietnam currently exports eight types of fresh fruit to the U.S., including dragon fruit, mango, longan, lychee, rambutan, star apple, pomelo, and coconut. In return, the U.S. has also been authorized to export fruits to Vietnam, with Californian peaches and nectarines being the latest addition," Assistant General Director Trang added.

Regional Manager Marc Gilkey remarked, "I was in Hanoi visiting a pomelo farm on the outskirts of the city not long ago. And now, I have returned to help launch a new market for U.S. peaches and nectarines. This development highlights the remarkable trade relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam, where we continually advance with the exchange of new agricultural products."

The Regional Manager expressed his gratitude towards Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Plant Protection for their continued cooperation throughout the negotiation process.

Trade Director Caroline Stringer extended her sincere appreciation to Klever Fruit for becoming the first importer of Californian peaches and nectarines in Vietnam, facilitating the delivery of these fruits to consumers.

"I would like to thank Vietnamese importers and retailers who have shown great enthusiasm and joy for the first shipment of Californian peaches and nectarines. This shipment will help further expand trade between our countries. I hope this is only the first small contribution to bringing our nations closer together," added Caroline Stringer.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam met and worked with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in the United States in the middle of May.

The visit of US President Joe Biden in September 2023 was a milestone moment in bilateral relations, paving the way for international cooperation in sustainable agricultural growth. The meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the CDFA aimed to further the goals outlined in the leaders' joint declaration on raising the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

At the meeting, leaders from both countries expressed a strong desire to promote sustainable, smart agricultural production that responds to climate change. Specifically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the CDFA agreed that investment in agricultural research will improve possibilities for farmers and ranchers in both Vietnam and California.

The CDFA also indicated a willingness to share information and rules regarding the quarantine and safety inspection of imported agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. The California Agricultural Agency will enhance market access for agricultural products that meet recognized international criteria.