On 13 May 2025, Fruitnet organized Fresh Produce Vietnam, a brand-new fresh produce business conference and networking expo that brought together exporters, importers, retailers, and industry representatives from more than 10 countries. The event, for which The Fruit Republic was a golden sponsor, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the future of Vietnam’s fresh produce sector and explore opportunities for sustainable growth.
The conference examined various aspects of how Vietnam can strengthen its position as both a consumer market and a leading supplier of fresh produce in Asia. Discussions covered changing consumer trends, the evolving retail landscape, opportunities in fruit imports and exports, and the importance of developing sustainable production systems to unlock the country’s full potential.
As part of the session “Levelling Up: Sustainable Production Models”, Mr Siebe van Wijk, Managing Director of The Fruit Republic, proudly presented a case study on professionalising fruit production from the ground up in Vietnam and building a sustainable sourcing model through the company’s investment in the SUCCEEDS project.
The presentation highlighted the opportunities and challenges currently facing Vietnam’s citrus sector. Despite the sector’s strong growth potential, citrus farmers continue to face issues such as declining soil health, increasing production costs, inconsistent fruit quality, and limited access to high-value markets. These challenges particularly affect smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of citrus producers in the Mekong Delta and Southeastern Vietnam.
By promoting farm professionalisation and supporting smallholder farmers to participate in global value chains, the project aims to make the citrus sector in the Mekong Delta and Southeastern Vietnam more profitable and sustainable for 150,000 citrus smallholder farmers.
The presentation demonstrated how long-term private sector investment, combined with strong partnerships across the value chain, can contribute to sustainable agricultural development. It also illustrated how commercial sourcing models can generate positive impacts for both businesses and farming communities.
As Vietnam continues to strengthen its position in the regional and global fresh produce industry, initiatives such as the SUCCEEDS project offer valuable examples of how sustainable production, market connectivity, and farmer inclusion can support the future growth and resilience of the country’s citrus sector.
You can find more information about the event at the website.