Vietnam is the second-largest producer of pomelo in the world, following China. The country boasts a cultivated area of 105,400 hectares and an output of nearly 905,000 tons per year, ensuring a consistent, high-quality supply for international markets. Notable pomelo varieties with distinct regional characteristics, such as green-skin pomelo, five-roi pomelo, Dien pomelo, red pomelo, and Doan Hung pomelo, enhance the reputation of Vietnamese pomelo on the global stage.
Special Quality and Flavor of Vietnamese pomelo
Vietnamese pomelo is renowned for its unique quality and flavour, shaped by the country’s diverse climate and soil conditions. Each region cultivates distinct pomelo varieties, differing not only in shape and weight but also in flavour, enhancing the appeal of Vietnamese pomelo in the international market. Key export varieties include:
- Green-Skin pomelo: Weighing between 800-2000 grams, this variety features a green peel when ripe and light pink flesh. It boasts a sweetness of about 11-12% and a rich, delicious flavour, making it a staple in Bến Tre known for its juicy sweetness.
- Nam Roi pomelo: Shaped like a pear, this pomelo has a green-yellow peel at ripeness and weighs around 1400-1800 grams. With a light sweetness of 6-8%, it has white flesh and smooth, juicy segments, appealing to a wide range of palates.
- Dien pomelo: Originating from Hanoi, Dien pomelo typically weighs between 800-1000 grams. It is highly regarded for its sweetness, ranging from 12-14%, and has a rich flavour complemented by yellow skin.
- Doan Hung pomelo Grown predominantly in Phú Thọ, this pomelo weighs around 700-800 grams and offers a unique taste, balancing sweetness (9-11%) with a slight bitterness, making it easy to peel and very enjoyable.
With extensive cultivation areas primarily in the Red River Delta and Mekong Delta, Vietnam maintains a stable supply, achieving yields of 68-158 quintals per hectare. The country exports approximately 100,000-200,000 tons of pomelo annually, meeting consistent international demand due to its long growing season and reliable quality.
In the supply chain, traders serve as vital intermediaries, connecting farmers with processing enterprises. They bear around 93.6% of the pomelo purchasing costs, ensuring effective management of the consumption process despite the scattered, small-scale production typical in Vietnamese agriculture. Thus, the primary challenge lies not in the quality of the pomelo but in optimising supply chain management to enhance the global competitiveness of Vietnamese pomelo products.
High-Quality Pomelo and the Capacity to Develop Processed Products
Vietnam adheres to stringent quality standards for pomelo cultivation that align with international requirements. Currently, the country boasts over 40 certified pomelo-growing areas across 10 provinces, producing around 15,000 tons annually that are qualified for export to the U.S.
Statistics indicate that Vietnamese agricultural products, including processed pomelo, are now present in more than 180 countries and territories. The abundance of raw materials has facilitated increased investment in processed products. As of June 2023, Vietnam has approximately 13,000 agricultural processing facilities, with about 3,369 focusing on the preliminary processing of plant-based products. Significant investments have been made in modern agricultural, forestry, and fishery processing factories. Between 2017 and 2022, 76 large-scale agricultural processing projects were initiated, with an investment of over 73 trillion VND, reflecting heightened interest in the agricultural processing industry.
Despite this potential, only 10-15% of agricultural products are currently processed. However, processed pomelo products are diverse and gaining traction, including:
- Pomelo Juice: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, natural pomelo juice is favoured in international markets. It can be conveniently bottled or canned for immediate consumption or as an ingredient in various dishes and drinks.
- Pomelo Jam: Made from pre-processed pomelo peel soaked in sugar, this jam offers a sweet, refreshing flavour. It is popular during holidays and as a gift, appealing to consumers seeking natural products.
- Pomelo Essential Oil: Extracted from the peel, this essential oil contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for cosmetics, hair care, soaps, and perfumes. Vietnamese pomelo essential oil is well-received in markets like Korea, Japan, and Europe due to its natural aroma and high quality.
- Pomelo Peel Tea: Dried pomelo peel can be processed into tea, promoting health benefits such as weight loss, digestion aid, and immune boosting. It is particularly popular in Asian markets like Korea and Japan, where herbal teas are favoured.
- Pomelo Syrup and Jam for Mixing: In addition to juice, pomelo syrup is exported as an ingredient for cocktails, mocktails, and fruit teas. Pomelo jam serves as a filling for cakes or enhances the flavour of various dishes.
- Dried Pomelo: This natural snack has a moderate sweetness and chewy texture, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Dried pomelo is conveniently packaged for easy transport and preservation, making it ideal for export.
- Pomelo Powder: Created from dried and crushed pomelo peel or segments, pomelo powder is used in functional foods, cosmetics, and beverages. It can be mixed with water, baked into goods, or incorporated into daily meals for health benefits.
These processed pomelo products not only enhance the overall value of Vietnamese pomelo but also create substantial export opportunities. The diversification of products meets the varied demands of international consumers, particularly those interested in health-conscious and natural offerings.
High-Quality Products for the High-End Segment
Green-skin pomelo is currently Vietnam’s flagship export product, particularly favoured in discerning markets such as the U.S. and Canada. These pomelo are predominantly cultivated in the Mekong Delta, with Ben Tre Province leading the charge, encompassing nearly 9,400 hectares, which represents approximately 35% of the province’s total fruit-growing area. To meet the stringent export requirements, the Ben Tre agricultural sector has collaborated with various entities to establish and strengthen the green-skin pomelo supply chain. As of 2022, this initiative involves 32 cooperatives and 9 groups, representing 1,467 households across a total area of 542.65 hectares.
The inaugural shipment of green-skin pomelo from Vietnam reached the U.S. in November 2022 and was met with a warm reception from local consumers, who praised its exceptional quality. In the U.S. market, the selling price for Vietnamese pomelo ranges from $6.99 to $7.99 per pound, with each pomelo weighing approximately 3 pounds (nearly 1.5 kg). Although this price is 2 times higher than that of pomelo from China and Mexico, Vietnamese green-skin pomelo continues to see strong demand and has become a “hot” commodity. Remarkably, they quickly ascended to 4th place in the U.S. grapefruit market share rankings within just a year.
Green pomelo has successfully penetrated the high-end market not only due to its exceptional quality but also because of the close cooperation between producers and local authorities. To further promote branding and improve production processes, stakeholders have actively implemented a series of quality control and certification measures to ensure that products meet international standards. Additionally, farmers in the Border Province have enhanced their cultivation and management skills through training and technical support, ensuring a stable and high-quality supply.
The cultivation process for green pomelo in Vietnam emphasizes sustainability and employs modern agricultural technologies to protect the ecological environment while increasing both productivity and fruit quality. As consumer demand for healthy foods rises, green grapefruit is increasingly favoured in the market for its rich nutritional value and natural flavour.
Supported by Trade Agreements
Free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the CPTPP, EVFTA, ACFTA, VKFTA, RCEP, and AJCEP that Vietnam has signed play a crucial role in facilitating the export of pomelo and pomelo-processed products. These agreements significantly reduce or eliminate tariffs, expand market access, and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products, including pomelo.
Currently, the primary markets for Vietnamese pomelo include Korea, the U.S., the EU, ASEAN countries, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The import tax rate for pomelo in these markets is 0%. In contrast, for China, where no formal protocol has been established for pomelo exports, trade is primarily conducted through small-scale channels, which can involve complex procedures. Nevertheless, the tax rate for pomelo remains relatively low compared to other countries.
To check import tax rates for products, it’s essential to consider trade barriers and trade preferences stemming from agreements with your country. These preferences can help importers save anywhere from 10% to 30% depending on the specific item. Understanding these agreements is vital for optimizing costs and enhancing profitability when importing Vietnamese pomelo.
CONCLUSION
Thanks to their superior quality and distinct flavours, Vietnamese pomelo has emerged as a key player in the international market. As the second-largest pomelo producer globally, Vietnam boasts a diverse range of varieties, including the highly sought-after green skin, Nam Roi, Dien, and Doan Hung pomelos
The unique characteristics of these pomelos, shaped by the country’s diverse climate and fertile soil, have captivated consumers and opened doors to lucrative export opportunities.
Support from various free trade agreements has played a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese pomelo. With zero import tariffs in key markets and an increasing global appetite for quality agricultural products, Vietnam is well-positioned to capitalize on these advantages. As the pomelo sector continues to evolve, focusing on sustainable practices and quality enhancement, the prospects for Vietnamese pomelo in the international market remain bright, promising significant growth and diversification opportunities for exporters and producers alike.
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