Adding Value to Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products Through Processing

A representative of an agricultural procurement and processing enterprise specializing in durian and coffee in Nhan Co Commune mentioned that for the past two years, the company has made significant investments in machinery, technology, warehouses, and processing facilities. These investments in advanced processing and storage have notably enhanced product value while also addressing issues of oversupply and market saturation during peak harvest periods.

At the beginning of 2026, the company allocated several billion Vietnamese dong to expand its warehouse network, cold storage facilities, and processing plants to increase its durian procurement and processing capacity. The business remains committed to adhering to food safety standards necessary for exporting fruits to markets such as China.

According to the business owner, processed agricultural products such as durian and coffee can double, or even further increase, in value when high-quality raw materials are combined with appealing packaging and transparent product traceability.

In the first half of 2026, there was continued growth in investment in agricultural processing in terms of both scale and technology. Numerous enterprises and cooperatives implemented modern preservation and processing techniques, alongside advanced quality management systems and certifications such as HACCP, ISO, GMP, and Halal.

As a result, the quality of products has consistently improved, aligning with the standards required for both domestic and export markets. Processed products made from Lam Dong's primary agricultural commodities—including coffee, pepper, tea, vegetables, flowers, fruits, macadamia nuts, and seafood—have slowly enhanced their market presence, resulting in greater added value for the agricultural sector.

Relevant authorities, including the Departments of Industry, Trade, Agriculture, and Environment, along with local governments throughout Lam Dong Province, have made supporting policies a priority to encourage businesses to implement advanced technologies in their pre-processing and processing operations.

Numerous production facilities, cooperatives, and companies have invested in modern technologies such as automated sorting systems, cold storage, freezing, thermal drying, cold drying, freeze-drying, smart packaging, and electronic traceability systems. The development of pre-processing, packaging, and post-harvest preservation facilities has steadily progressed, enhancing product shelf life and fulfilling the requirements of both domestic and export markets, especially for major products such as vegetables, flowers, coffee, tea, and fruits using environmentally friendly technologies.

At a recent conference focused on evaluating agricultural potential and fostering agricultural trade in Lam Dong Province, Phan Nguyen Hoang Tan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted that prioritizing investment in processing and deep processing is crucial for increasing the value of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in the province.

As reported by the department, there are currently around 508 pre-processing and packaging facilities in the province, with a combined annual production of roughly 1.53 million tonnes. By the second quarter of 2026, approximately 24.9% of total agricultural output was processed.

Numerous businesses have put money into contemporary machinery and equipment while progressively integrating advanced technologies into pre-processing, processing, packaging, and storage. These initiatives have enhanced product quality, boosted added value, and improved the competitiveness of agricultural goods in both domestic and international markets.

Investments in processing technologies are also establishing a foundation for the digital transformation of production management, product traceability, and market connectivity. These advancements are contributing to more efficient quality management and increasing the value of products across the agricultural supply chain.