The coconut sector is stepping up the construction of a controlled raw material zone digital map. This solution is expected to help make supply transparent, elevate traceability capacities, attract investors, and create a foundation for the sector to head toward the 2 billion USD export target.

Coconut exports will exceed 1.1 billion USD this year

The coconut sector records multiple positive signals as exports continue to maintain growth momentum. The Vietnam Coconut Association stated that 6-month turnover has exceeded 600 million USD, creating a foundation to head toward the figure of over 1.1 billion USD in the entire year.

Most prominent is the strong and stable growth of the exported fresh coconut group, both output volume and value rising high, nearly doubling compared to the same period last year. Farmgate coconut prices at times reached up to 10,000 - 12,000 VND/fruit thanks to demand increasing concurrently from European, American, and Chinese markets.

Besides, output volume and export turnover of multiple processed commodities from coconut also rose sharply thanks to international market demand continuing to expand.

According to the Vietnam Coconut Association, statistical figures currently do not fully reflect the scale of the sector because multiple products utilizing raw materials from coconut are cataloged under different commodity codes. The Association is aggregating additional product groups carrying a coconut raw material proportion from 20 - 30% or more to evaluate more fully the export value of the entire sector.

Notably, the majority of export orders concentrate in the final 2 quarters of the year. Along with that, the sector is welcoming a new investment wave with 2 - 3 large-scale deep processing factories carrying foreign investment capital projected to enter into operation this year. These projects are expected to supplement processing capacity, elevate added value, and create additional growth drivers for Vietnam's coconut sector.

Constructing a raw material zone digital map to elevate competitive strength

Alongside export growth targets, the Vietnam Coconut Association is deploying the construction of a controlled raw material zone digital map aiming to elevate management efficiency, guarantee stable supply for enterprises, and increase attractiveness toward international investors and importers.

According to Secretary General of the Vietnam Coconut Association Cao Ba Dang Khoa, this is a management system for the entire coconut raw material zone encompassing: data on planted area, quality, traceability, production standards, plant varieties, pest and disease situations, and international certifications. In the initial stage, the system will prioritize digitalizing core data such as growing zone area, raw material zone distribution, invested enterprises, list of participating farming households, cooperative operations, international certifications, coconut variety information, and pest tracking data.

Under plans, the Association will deploy a system pilot in Vinh Long, afterward expanding to Dong Thap and other localities in the Mekong Delta. The 2026 - 2028 stage will deploy synchronously across core regions prior to expanding nationwide. Following completion in each individual locality, the system will be handed over to local authorities to manage and update routinely to guarantee data is always precise and timely.

According to Mr. Khoa, the largest value of the digital map lies not merely in managing raw material zones but also in creating competitive advantages for Vietnam's coconut sector in the international market. Instead of having to directly survey at each individual locality, investors and importers can look up online to know where the raw material zone is located, how large the area is, what coconut varieties exist, certification statuses, and supply capacities. This will shorten investment decision-making time, while concurrently elevating the competitive capacity of Vietnam's coconut sector compared to large producing nations in the region such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

To realize the target of managing raw material zones down to each individual coconut tree, the Vietnam Coconut Association is coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with localities to construct a common set of standards for the coconut sector, while concurrently driving the development of a cooperative system sufficiently capable of managing raw material zones.

Mr. Khoa recommended that enterprises should concentrate on investing capital and deep processing technology, while cooperatives undertake the role of managing raw material zones, guiding farmers to comply with standards, maintain certifications, and organize purchases. Besides, localities need to proactively deploy support policies regarding traceability, geographical indications, credit, and production linkages under Decree No. 98/2018/ND-CP regarding policies encouraging the development of cooperation and linkages in the production and consumption of agricultural products, thereby effectively exploiting raw material zone potential and forming sustainable linkage chains.

The Vietnam Coconut Association expects that with a synchronous management model, data digitalization, and strengthened linkages between enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers, the coconut sector will be able to export 2 billion USD in subsequent years.

Source: Bao Dai bieu Nhan dan