On April 13, at Phu Ngai Hamlet, Giao Long Commune, Vinh Long Province (formed from the merger of Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long provinces), a ceremony was held to announce the export of the first shipment of Vinh Long pomelos to the Australian market. The event marks the practical implementation following Australia’s official approval for importing fresh pomelos from Vietnam.

A journey of more than two years to export the first shipment

The export of the first shipment of Vinh Long pomelos to Australia was not achieved in a short period.

Since October 2025, Vietnamese and Australian authorities have completed negotiations and agreed on technical requirements. By April 10, 2026, Australia finalized the last procedures, and just two days later, the first shipment was dispatched.

Under Australian regulations, Vietnamese pomelos must undergo a pest risk assessment process lasting nearly two years, ensuring they are free from 19 quarantine pests. The products must be grown in registered production areas, packed at approved facilities, and irradiated at a minimum dose of 400 Gy.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T Group, stated that the company exported the first shipment just two days after completing all procedures, indicating that the entire supply chain—from farming areas to processing facilities—had been prepared in advance.

According to Mr. Tung, Australia’s standards are equivalent to those of the United States, where the company has successfully exported for many years. As a result, production areas in the Mekong Delta, including Vinh Long Province, are well-prepared to meet these requirements.

The shipment was irradiated at the Toan Phat facility, ensuring compliance with stringent phytosanitary standards. The enterprise has also invested in traceability systems and applies international standards such as GlobalGAP, HACCP, ISO, and Halal certification.

“Meeting the requirements for 19 quarantine pests is not only a technical requirement but also a testament to Vietnam’s capability in quality control. Our success in the U.S. market provides a solid foundation for entering Australia,” Mr. Tung said.

Currently, Vietnam has more than 100,000 hectares of pomelo cultivation, with an annual output of nearly 1 million tons. Following administrative consolidation, Vinh Long Province alone accounts for approximately 13,800 hectares, providing sufficient supply capacity for export.

Opening new growth potential

In 2025, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports reached USD 8.5 billion. In the first quarter of 2026, export value hit USD 1.5 billion, up more than 17% year-on-year. The sector aims to reach USD 10 billion in 2026, with pomelos expected to be a key growth driver.

Mr. Chau Van Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Vinh Long Province, stated that after a period of developing standardized production areas, the official export to Australia represents an initial achievement for farmers in the Mekong Delta.

The first shipment to Australia is considered a starting point for expanding market share in high-end markets. Australia maintains some of the world’s strictest biosecurity standards, while demand for tropical fruits remains stable and domestic production is limited.

According to the enterprise, following Australia’s market opening, the growth target for pomelo exports in 2026 has been revised upward from 20% to 30%. A key advantage lies in the network of four processing plants located near production areas, which helps shorten the time from harvest to processing.

Another notable factor is that pomelo preservation technology now allows storage for up to 70 days without compromising quality, enabling enterprises to better manage international shipping uncertainties.

Giao Long Commune, formed from the merger of An Phuoc, Quoi Son, and Giao Long communes of Chau Thanh District (formerly in Ben Tre Province), has become a large-scale concentrated production area. The event location is associated with Kim Thanh factory, situated in a renowned green-skin pomelo cultivation zone.

From the farmers’ perspective, the export of the first shipment to Australia brings direct benefits. Enterprises commit to purchasing pomelos at approximately VND 2,000/kg higher than market prices for certified production areas. Farms meeting GlobalGAP standards receive additional technical and cost support.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung emphasized that locating processing facilities near production areas helps ensure quality and strengthen connections with farmers.

According to the plan, local authorities and enterprises will continue technical training, expand certified cultivation areas, and strengthen pest control to maintain quality.

“This is a mandatory requirement to sustain stable exports to demanding markets such as Australia,” Mr. Tung added.

Source: Bao Dien tu Dan Viet