After more than 5 years of negotiations, peaches and nectarines grown in California (USA) have been officially approved by competent authorities for import into the Vietnamese market.
The sensitive nature of peaches and nectarines, along with their appealing flavors, make these two fruits attractive to many pests. Accordingly, the two fruits considered "American summer specialties" must meet the 6 most stringent requirements, passing the test for 40 types of pests and diseases. The gardens must also comply with strict standards from the planting, harvesting to preservation process before reaching Vietnamese consumers.
Last July, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development licensed American peaches and nectarines after years of efforts by both sides. Photo: Minh Hue
Speaking at the ceremony to welcome the first shipment of US peaches and nectarines to Vietnam, Mr. Marc Gilkey, Director of the South Asia region of APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture) said: Not long ago, I was in Hanoi, walking around the grapefruit orchards on the outskirts of the city. Now, I am back to help launch new market access for US peaches and nectarines. I think this highlights the incredible trade relationship between the US and Vietnam, where we are constantly moving forward with new agricultural products being continuously exchanged.
Vietnam is the 41st foreign market for California peaches and nectarines. Photo: Minh Hue
“The California stone fruit industry recognized the opportunities in Vietnam for high-quality peaches and nectarines many years ago,” said Caroline Stringer, Director of Trade for the California Fresh Fruit Association. “This is a huge accomplishment for the industry. We are very grateful to Klever Fruit for being the first importer in Vietnam to bring California peaches and nectarines to consumers.”
"Although this is the first time exporting peaches and nectarines to Vietnam, we have seen that this is a very potential market, because Vietnamese consumers like high-end, sweet, high-quality fruits. Therefore, this is definitely a natural export market for us," Ms. Caroline Stringer told PV Dan Viet.
From left to right: Mr. Marc Gilkey, APHIS South Asia Regional Director; representative of Klever Trading and Investment Joint Stock Company; Mr. Ralph Bean, Agricultural Counselor of the US Embassy in Vietnam and Ms. Caroline Stringer, Commercial Director of the California Fresh Fruit Association introducing American peaches and nectarines for the first time in Vietnam. Photo: Minh Hue
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, representative of Klever Fruit, said: "The official decision to allow the import of peaches and nectarines from California, USA, to Vietnam is not only a trade agreement, but also marks a new step forward in the agricultural cooperation between the two countries. This is the result of a long negotiation process, demonstrating the efforts and goodwill of both sides in promoting bilateral trade and meeting the increasing needs of consumers."
According to Ms. Trang, in the US, peaches and nectarines are grown in many different regions, but only peaches and nectarines grown in the state of California are licensed to enter Vietnam. In fact, the state of California is a place that supplies a variety of fruits to Vietnam such as cherries, grapes, oranges, etc. Therefore, the presence of peaches and nectarines from California not only increases the diversity in fruit choices, but these are also fruits that are approved by the USDA with the highest quality standards in the world, completely safe for consumers.
Peaches and nectarines are considered "American summer specialties" because they are famous for their sweet, juicy flavor. Photo: Minh Hue
"Bringing the first batch of American peaches and nectarines to Vietnam is a source of pride for Klever Fruit, as we make a new step forward in improving Vietnamese consumer tastes. In the current market, we can only enjoy peaches and nectarines at the end of the year. But with peaches and nectarines from the state of California, USA - located in the Northern Hemisphere, there is a difference in seasonality - thanks to that we have peaches and nectarines on the market since summer" - Ms. Trang added.
Currently, Vietnam is the 9th agricultural market of the US and the US is the 2nd agricultural export market of Vietnam. Total agricultural trade between the two countries in 2023 will exceed 5.5 billion USD.
Vietnam currently has 8 types of fresh fruits that are allowed to be exported to the US, including: dragon fruit, mango, longan, lychee, rambutan, star apple, grapefruit, and coconut. In return, the US is also licensed to export fruits to Vietnam, and the latest are peaches and nectarines from the state of California.
Talking to Dan Viet reporter about the potential and opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to promote fruit exports to the US market, Ms. Caroline Stringer said: "There are many opportunities for Vietnamese fruit to be exported to the US. I have only been in Vietnam for a few days and every day I get to taste some unique fruits, which are really wonderful. I will be very excited to bring them back to introduce to my family in California".
California peaches and nectarines are being transported by air, and the first shipment is expected to hit the market in about a week. Photo: Minh Hue
According to Ms. Caroline, Vietnam has many unique fruits that the United States does not have, while American consumers also love to look for high-quality, sweet and distinct products. "That is an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to seek opportunities to export fruits to the United States," Ms. Caroline affirmed.
Source: https://danviet.vn/sau-5-nam-dam-phan-lan-dau-tien-viet-nam-nhap-khau-qua-dao-va-xuan-dao-tu-my-20240814204743178.htm
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