“Leading the Rhythm” to Take Agricultural Products to the “Open Sea”

From the sweet, fragrant pomelo orchards of Doan Hung to famous specialties like Thanh Son sour meat or Hung Lo rice noodles—all are crafted by the industrious and talented hands of farmers driven by a legitimate desire for prosperity. However, the journey for these “sweet fruits” to confidently enter luxury supermarkets or reach the “open sea” remains a major challenge, requiring persistent bridges of connectivity and a radical shift in production mindset.

Tea plants in Phu Tho have become a key export material, bringing high economic value.

In recent years, Phu Tho’s agriculture has recorded a distinct transformation, proactively focusing on branding, value enhancement, and image building to meet the increasing demands of the market.

The clearest testament to this journey is the story of Hung Lo Rice Noodle Craft Village (Van Phu Ward). From a traditional village where locals were only accustomed to manual production for local consumption, it has transformed into a national brand. Back in 2004, though the village was recognized, production remained fragmented. Despite the quality, the products struggled to leave the "village gates." The Cooperative decisively innovated; products are now packaged modernly with clear traceability stamps. This attention to appearance and quality standardization has enabled Hung Lo rice noodles to confidently “knock on the doors” of major distribution chains like BigC, Co.op Mart, and WinMart nationwide.

Doan Hung pomelos and their by-products are labeled with traceability stamps and frequently featured at fairs, exhibitions, and on e-commerce platforms.

In the Industry 4.0 era, bringing products online is no longer foreign, but for many farmers, it was once a daunting barrier. Platforms like giaothuong.net.vn along with giants like Shopee, Lazada, or Postmart have become vibrant "online marketplaces." Here, bags of green tea, boxes of sour meat, or strands of Hung Lo noodles can reach consumers across the country with just a few taps. Technology has blurred geographical distances, bringing the flavors of the homeland closer to every Vietnamese family.

Beyond the digital space, Phu Tho’s agricultural products are expanding their reach through trade fairs and exhibitions in Hanoi, Dien Bien, Da Nang, and more. These events allow farmers not only to sell products but also to connect with partners and understand market trends. Many collaborations formed at these fairs serve as the foundation for long-term supply contracts, stabilizing output and reducing the pressure of "harvest-season gluts."

Hung Lo rice noodle products on supermarket shelves in Japan.

Products like tea, plywood, and especially rice noodles have begun to assert their quality in the most demanding markets, including Japan, South Korea, and several European nations. To achieve this, farmers have “upgraded” themselves to meet stringent standards such as GlobalGAP and ISO.

The success of Phu Tho’s tea and rice noodles abroad is not just about earning foreign currency; it proves the harmonious combination of traditional secrets and cleaner production processes. Farmers today do not just make good products; they master international regulations, turning knowledge into a “weapon” to compete fairly on the global stage.

Looking toward the 2026-2030 period, Phu Tho’s agriculture is shaping up around "Green Trade Promotion and Digitalization." This is a commitment to consumers. Linking products with eco-certifications and organic production will elevate the value of agricultural produce. In the future, a modern commercial ecosystem with synchronized logistics will be built to reduce transport costs and increase competitiveness. Mountainous and remote areas will no longer be left behind as technology and modern distribution channels reach every household.

While regulatory agencies and linked organizations act as the “rhythm leaders,” it is the diligence, creativity, and innovative spirit of the farmers that drive the “Phu Tho agricultural carriage” forward. Every OCOP product and local specialty reaching the market carries not just material value, but the heart and passion of the people of the Ancestral Land.

Le Hoang