Once wasted, pine nuts are now an export, earning more than $1.3 million in 2024, a 106-fold increase from the previous year.
The above figures have just been announced by customs. Accordingly, pine nuts are one of the 30 products in the fruit and nut group with the most dramatic growth. This type is exported to European markets - where consumers prefer it because they believe it is good for health.
Export figures for pine nuts have only been recorded by customs for the past two years, but show a rapid increase in value. While the current export value is modest compared to other major agricultural products, this item is still on par with grapes, oranges, custard apples and strawberries - fruits that have a solid position in the market.
Previously, farmers often discarded fallen pine cones, using them only for decoration or as souvenirs. Now, with increasing demand, pine nuts appear in markets, dry food stores, baking ingredient stores, and are even sold on e-commerce platforms at prices ranging from 450,000-550,000 VND per kilogram (with shell or peeled). Organic pine nuts imported from Australia and the US can cost 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 exploited naturally, no unit has grown them for commercial seeds, so export output is still limited. Pine grows a lot in Lam Dong, Nghe An, Ha Tinh... mostly for environmental protection and decoration.
In the world, pine nuts are a high-class ingredient, especially popular in the US, Europe and Australia. They are not only used as food but also present in the confectionery, beverage, cosmetic industries, and are even extracted for oil, making the value of this type of nut increase day by day.
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