Vietnam Sees More Orders of Fresh Coconut Coming in from China

Two months after Vietnam received approval in August to export fresh coconuts to China, several companies have received orders from that country, reports the VnExpress International on October 15.
Cao Ba Dang Khoa, general secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association, said several large companies have signed contracts to export 30-35 containers of fresh coconuts to China, with one securing an order for 1,500, a positive sign for the future of Vietnamese coconuts in that market.  Others in the coconut business like Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of coconut exporter Vina T&T Group said many Chinese importers have contacted his firm to make purchase after participating at recent trade fairs. Chinese consumers also like products made from coconut such as milk, cream, and jelly, he added.
The Vietnam Coconut Association forecasts exports to reach USD1.2 billion this year, with fresh coconut shipments to China amounting to USD250 million.  It said Thai products’ lower prices might pose a challenge, and so businesses need to focus on competitive pricing, packaging and quality to build trust among Chinese consumers.