Four new products have been recognized as 5-star OCOP products

The "One Commune One Product" (OCOP) program has entered its sixth year, being implemented comprehensively and extensively in all localities. To date, the country has more than 13,000 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher (an increase of over 4,000 products compared to the end of 2022) and more than 7,000 OCOP entities (over 32% are cooperatives, more than 22% are enterprises, over 39% are production facilities/household businesses, and the remaining are cooperatives).

The OCOP program has positively impacted rural economic development, particularly in three aspects: promoting the transformation of production organization in rural areas towards value chain linkage, building stable raw material regions (more than 34% of OCOP entities have established stable raw material regions according to OCOP product value chain linkage, and over 2,000 cooperatives have OCOP products).

OCOP products adhere to stringent quality and food safety standards, ensuring consumer health and satisfaction. They are also distinguished by their diverse designs and packaging, catering to market demands and environmental sustainability. These factors have contributed to increased product value, enabling producers to expand production scales and boost revenue. Notably, 46% of OCOP program participants have witnessed a surge in output following certification, while average sales have soared by nearly 30%. Moreover, over 50% of OCOP products have experienced price hikes, with an average increase of more than 17%.

The program has played a crucial role in creating employment opportunities and fostering sustainable livelihoods in particularly disadvantaged regions and among marginalized groups. Over 34% of OCOP program participants have expanded their workforce, and 40% of participants are women. Furthermore, 17% of participants are from ethnic minority communities residing in challenging areas and mountainous regions.

Building on these achievements, the recent meeting of the Council focused on reviewing and recertifying national-level OCOP products (OCOP 5 stars) that received recognition in 2020. Simultaneously, the Council assessed and categorized a new batch of food products (comprising 55 items submitted by local authorities for evaluation and classification). These products were submitted by localities before December 31, 2022, and were evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the Prime Minister's Decision No. 1048/QĐ-TTg.

As a result of the evaluation, the Council granted a new OCOP 5-star certification to four products: Royal Golden Dragon Mung Bean Cake by Hoang Gia Joint Stock Company (Hai Duong); Luc Ngan Lychee by Hong Xuan Agricultural Production and Service Cooperative (Bac Giang), Frozen Durian by Chanh Thu Company (Ben Tre); Complete Seasoning by YesHue Production and Trading Company Limited (Thua Thien - Hue). In the recent nation reevaluation of OCOP recognized in 2020, four products have successfully retained their OCOP 5-star rating: Tai Hoan Rice Vermicelli by Tai Hoan Cooperative (Bac Kan); Hao Dat Premium Bud Tea by Hao Dat Tea Cooperative (Thai Nguyen); Le Gia Shrimp Paste by Le Gia Food and Trading Service Company Limited (Thanh Hoa); Akoya, Tahiti, and Southsea Pearls by Ha Long Pearl Joint Stock Company (Quang Ninh).

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam, Chairman of the Central OCOP Product Evaluation and Classification Council, congratulated the entities and OCOP products that have been recognized and re-recognized. He also noted that products not recognized at this time should contact the Central New Rural Coordination Office for guidance, advice, and product improvement to be considered and evaluated in future assessments.

Products that have been recognized as 5-star OCOP should continue to maintain their quality and enhance trade promotion activities both domestically and internationally to ensure continuous development. Notably, products that have reached the end of their recognition period must re-register; failure to do so will result in penalties according to regulations when inspected by the relevant authorities.