Pine nut exports earn over 1.3 million USD

Once wasted, pine nuts are now an export, earning more than $1.3 million in 2024, a 106-fold increase from last 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 in the last two years, but show a rapid increase in value. While the current turnover is still 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, only using them for decoration or 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 to 550,000 VND per kg (with shell or peeled). Organic pine nuts imported from Australia and the US can cost up to 2 million VND per kg.

Pine nuts are sold on e-commerce platforms. Photo from e-commerce platform

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 nuts grow a lot in Lam Dong, Nghe An, Ha Tinh ... mostly for environmental protection and decoration.

In the world , pine nuts are high-quality raw materials, 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 more and more.

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