Lam Dong farm produce gains ground in Thailand
Lam Dong's key agricultural products have secured shelf space in major supermarkets in Bangkok after meeting Thailand's stringent technical standards. The achievement reflects a shift toward modern, standardized agricultural production, demonstrating that high-quality farm produce can compete successfully in demanding regional markets.
Raising standards from fertile land
For years, Vietnam's agricultural exports struggled with cross-border trade and limited access to international markets. That is now changing. Lam Dong has moved beyond traditional farming, developing a modern, sustainable agricultural sector that combines greenhouse cultivation, digital farming and export-oriented production. The province is also shifting from exporting raw produce to building higher-value agricultural value chains backed by strong branding.
According to the Lam Dong Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, the province currently has 945 certified OCOP (One Commune One Product) products. In addition, the "Da Lat - The Magical Crystallization from Good Earth" brand has been granted to 858 producers, strengthening the reputation of local products in demanding export markets.
Expanding into Thailand's retail market
Thailand is Vietnam's largest trading partner within ASEAN. Although it maintains some of the region's strictest sanitary and phytosanitary standards, Thai consumers value Vietnamese agricultural products for their natural taste and preservative-free quality. Securing shelf space in Bangkok's supermarkets marks an important milestone for Lam Dong's export strategy.
Local businesses are exporting a wide range of products to Thailand, including both fresh and processed produce. Vien Son JSC, for example, has successfully exported Japanese sweet potatoes, which are competitively priced in Vietnam and enjoy strong demand in Thailand, where they are not widely cultivated. Other products gaining traction include 034 avocados, bell peppers, lemons and dragon fruit.
Lam Dong has also worked with major retail chains to standardize production areas. Vietnamese avocados and dragon fruit have gained popularity at Big C hypermarkets in Bangkok thanks to their freshness and quality. Meanwhile, cut flowers such as chrysanthemums, roses, lisianthus and lilies, along with green coffee beans and tea, are exported for further processing.
Nguyen Duy Da, an agricultural producer and exporter, said: "The Thai market has strict international phytosanitary requirements. We have had to completely change our production mindset and enforce strict quality control from the farm."
Driven by trade promotion and digital technology
The early success reflects Lam Dong's increasingly diversified trade promotion efforts. Beyond domestic trade fairs and traditional markets, the province has expanded its outreach through overseas trade offices and promotional events at international retail chains, helping local products connect directly with global buyers.
Digital technology and e-commerce have also created new export opportunities. By supporting businesses and cooperatives on global platforms such as Alibaba and Amazon, Lam Dong has reduced geographical barriers and expanded market access. Products including wind-dried persimmons and processed fruits and vegetables are now reaching consumers in Bangkok with fewer intermediaries.
A representative of MM Mega Market Vietnam said Thai consumers highly value Vietnamese farm produce for its natural flavor. To improve supply chain efficiency, the company has established direct procurement stations to guide farmers on cultivation, harvesting techniques, product sizing and quality standards that meet Thai market requirements.
The presence of Lam Dong's agricultural products in major retail outlets in Thailand reflects the province's shift toward modern agriculture. With standardized production, transparent processes and stronger trade promotion, Vietnamese farm produce is becoming increasingly competitive in international markets.