Is there potential for processed dragon fruit products in the international market?

As market needs become more diverse and complex, large-scale manufacturing and processing enterprises are adopting innovative technologies in the food industry. One of the challenges they face is how to create products that meet user preferences and expectations, especially for fresh dragon fruit in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The processing industry is seen as a potential way to reduce the pressure on fresh dragon fruit supply, but it requires more promotion and marketing to reach consumers.

Is consulting on developing dragon fruit products difficult?

Developing new processing technologies for dragon fruits is a challenging task that requires consulting experts and following best practices. According to the VnEconomy newspaper, Vietnamese dragon fruit exports reached a record high of 1.157 billion USD in 2017, leading the fresh fruit export industry in Vietnam until 2021. However, with changing consumer preferences and new consumption trends, some farmers have shifted their focus from exporting fresh fruits (which account for about half of their total output) to processing them into value-added products such as wine, ice cream, juice, etc. These processed products can help reduce post-harvest losses, increase shelf life, and diversify income sources. However, there are still many challenges and barriers that hinder the development of processing industries for dragon fruits in Vietnam. One of them is the lack of access to foreign markets due to trade restrictions imposed by China, which is one of our major importers of fresh fruits. Another challenge is finding suitable processing equipment and facilities that meet quality standards and consumer expectations. A third challenge is creating effective marketing strategies that can promote our unique brand identity and competitive advantage among other countries.

In Binh Thuan Province alone, there are many businesses that have been trying hard to overcome these challenges by investing in research and development (R&D), adopting good agricultural practices (GAP), building modern production systems (such as dryers), developing innovative product lines (such as shrimp noodles), and establishing strong partnerships with local farmers (such as Hao Le cooperative). As a result, they have been able to produce high-quality processed products that can satisfy both domestic and international markets.

Therefore, we can conclude that developing processing technologies for dragon fruits is not impossible if we have a clear vision, a strong commitment, a collaborative approach, and a continuous improvement mindset. We believe that by doing so, we can tap into the huge potential of this tropical wonderfruit that has so much more to offer than just its delicious taste.

It is necessary to develop thinking in using products made from dragon fruit

Developing thinking in using products made from dragon fruit Some consumers still have doubts about using products processed from dragon fruit because they think that they are low-quality “dumped” fruits. However, this problem can be solved by improving the production process of factories. They should ensure that they use grade 1 and 2 raw materials that have good nutritional quality, design attractive packaging, and market their products effectively to attract consumers’ attention and change their perceptions about processed dragon fruit products. 

Moreover, these processed products are very popular among consumers, especially Genz, who have a strong influence on consumer behavior. This creates a new trend for the consumption of dragon fruit products. Additionally, Binh Thuan dragon fruit has been protected as a geographical indication in Japan. 

This is good news for Vietnam’s dragon fruit processing industry. It helps Vietnamese dragon fruit gain more trust from international consumers, especially those in the US market.

>>> See more: Where Should US Businesses Look to Diversify Their China Operations

What opportunities are there for businesses 

In today’s market, tropical fruit processing factories need to adapt to the changing preferences and demands of customers. They face many challenges such as keeping up with new technology platforms for processing, finding reliable sources of raw materials, dealing with price fluctuations, and competing with other countries. To overcome these challenges, they need to adopt innovative strategies such as sourcing raw materials in advance, building trust and loyalty among consumers, offering high-quality products that meet international standards, and creating a distinctive brand identity that reflects their values and vision. By doing so, they can seize the opportunities that exist in the Vietnamese market for dragon fruit processing. This market has many advantages such as a large domestic demand, a favorable climate and soil condition, a rich biodiversity of dragon fruit varieties, and a supportive government policy that protects local farmers’ rights.

Leveraging its unique strengths, Vietnam is demonstrating substantial strength and immense potential in the fruit juice industry. Our country's manufacturing facilities serve as a convergence point of modernity, incorporating advanced machinery, cutting-edge technology, and the skilled expertise of our workforce. With a nationwide network of 20 state-of-the-art factories and the utilization of modern machinery, WTP Agri is committed to meeting all production demands. If you are seeking a reputable OEM/ODM fruit juice manufacturing partner, WTP Agri stands confidently as your premier choice.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us for further insight and exploration into how we may contribute to the sustainable development of your enterprise. Contact us by filling out the contact form which you can find on this page. Either get in touch with our team at agri.crm@wtp.vn or give us a call on (+84)971 279 099. And remember we can also provide tailored service if you need it.