The event attracted around 40 enterprises engaged in agricultural production, processing, logistics, and trade, along with representatives from UK agricultural associations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Do Minh Hung (L) address the roundtable discussion.

Discussions focused on key export sectors, Viet Nam’s poultry industry potential, consumer preferences, import-export regulations, and strategies for distributing Vietnamese food and produce in UK supermarket chains.

Participants also put forward recommendations to facilitate agricultural cooperation and improve market access for key export products from both countries.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam underscored the UK's market potential and called for more regular business-matching events, the formation of supply chain-linked business clusters, and enhanced trade promotion and market research.

He emphasised the need for both sides to ensure regulatory compliance in import-export activities.

Phuong Hoang, President of the Vietnamese Business Association in the UK (VBUK), noted growing interest among UK firms in reliable, high-quality, and sustainable agricultural supply chains.

He highlighted Viet Nam's strengths in fruit, seafood, and processed food exports, which are increasingly popular in global and British markets.

Executive Director of the British Coffee Association Paul Rooke praised the quality of Vietnamese coffee, especially robusta, and said it holds strong potential in the UK’s diverse and high-demand market.

He stressed the importance of understanding UK import requirements, not just in terms of quality, but also environmental standards, anti-deforestation rules, and fair trade practices.

Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Product Development Manager at Longdan Group, one of the UK’s largest importers of Vietnamese goods, shared insights on marketing strategies, such as retaining local product names for better brand recognition.

She emphasised combining digital marketing with in-store sampling to introduce Vietnamese specialty fruits to British consumers.

Thai Tran, CEO of TT Meridian Ltd, a leading importer of Vietnamese fresh produce, said Vietnamese brands and products like pomelo, coconut, dragon fruit, and passion fruit are now featured in major UK supermarket chains, including Waitrose, M&S, and Tesco.

He credited the UK-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) for giving Vietnamese agriculture a competitive edge but warned that this advantage could diminish as the UK signs more bilateral trade deals, such as the recent agreement with India.

To maintain market share, Thai advised Vietnamese exporters to ensure consistent quality, upgrade technology, and manage costs to keep prices competitive.

He also encouraged a focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and brand development, factors increasingly valued in the UK.

Thai proposed that trade promotion agencies collaborate with major UK distributors to organise nationwide Vietnamese Product Weeks, extending from metropolitan hubs to rural areas, to enhance brand visibility and consumer familiarity.

The UK, with an annual agri-food import value of 67 billion USD, is seen as a high-potential market. In 2024, Viet Nam’s agri-export turnover to the UK reached nearly 883 million USD, a 15.4% year-on-year increase.

Key Vietnamese exports, such as seafood, wood products, coffee, cashews, fruits, pepper, and handicrafts, match UK import demand. Meanwhile, Viet Nam imports seafood, pesticides, feed ingredients, and rubber from the UK.

The two markets complement rather than compete with each other, leaving ample room for further expansion.

Minister calls for Bac Giang's stronger efforts to boost lychee production and exports

BAC GIANG - Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy on May 11 led a working delegation to Bac Giang province to discuss lychee production and export readiness ahead of the 2025 harvest season.

Bac Giang provincial leader meets with AeonMall Vietnam and Newland Investors

BAC GIANG – The Chairman of Bac Giang provincial People’s Committee (PPC) Nguyen Viet Oanh on May 9 hosted a working session with representatives from AeonMall Vietnam Company Limited (AeonMall) and Newland Investment Joint Stock Company (Newland).

Vifoco becomes first northern Vietnam fruit packer approved for US exports

BAC GIANG - The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has approved the fresh fruit packing facility of Vifoco Import-Export Joint Stock Company (Bac Giang City of Bac Giang province) for export to the U.S. market.

Diversifying sales channels to boost lychee market reach

BAC GIANG - While lychees are still in the early fruiting stage, Bac Giang has proactively launched trade promotion efforts. Numerous agreements on purchasing, distribution and logistics have been signed, opening new avenues for this year's harvest.

Lychee output expected to rise 30% this year

Approximately 60% of the output is expected to be consumed domestically, while the remainder destined for export.