Once considered wasted, pine nuts have now become an export commodity, generating over $1.3 million in revenue in 2024, a 106-fold increase compared to the previous year.
The above figures were recently released by customs. Accordingly, pine nuts are one of the 30 products in the fruit and nut group with the most significant growth. This type of fruit is exported to European markets, where consumers favor it because they believe it is good for their health.
Export figures for pine nuts have only been recorded by customs in the last two years, but they show a rapid increase in value. While the current export value is still modest compared to other major agricultural products, this item is still rising to the same level as grapes, oranges, custard apples, and strawberries – fruits that already have a firm foothold in the market.
Previously, farmers would discard fallen pine cones, using them only for decoration or souvenirs. Now, with increased demand, pine nuts are appearing in markets, dry goods stores, baking supply stores, and are even widely sold on e-commerce platforms at prices ranging from 450,000 to 550,000 VND per kilogram (with or without shells). Imported organic pine nuts from Australia and the US can fetch up to 2 million VND per kilogram.
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, pine nuts are mainly harvested from the wild; no one has yet cultivated them for commercial purposes, so export volume remains limited. Pine trees grow abundantly in Lam Dong, Nghe An, Ha Tinh , etc., mostly for environmental protection and ornamental purposes.
Globally , pine nuts are a premium ingredient, particularly popular in the United States, Europe, and Australia. They are not only used as food but also in the confectionery, beverage, and cosmetics industries, and are even extracted for oil, further increasing their value.
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