Vietnam exports first batch of organic coffee to Japan

Vietnam's first batch of organic coffee was exported Tuesday to Japan, one of the world's most demanding markets, after two years of talks.

Forty tons of organic green coffee was shipped to Japan from the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai by Vinh Hiep Co. Ltd.

Thai Nhu Hiep, vice president of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association and director of Vinh Hiep Co., Ltd., stated that coffee prices were rising, but the sector still needed a long-term plan. While coffee prices have recently risen considerably due to a global supply deficit, this was a short-term, local occurrence, he added.

“Vietnam now leads in both quality and quantity for robusta. As a result, Vietnam is a major supplier of robusta coffee around the world. This year's scarcity has had a particular impact on prices, as the entire world relies on Vietnam as the main robusta supplier.

"In terms of branding, Vietnamese robusta coffee ranks first in the world. However, according to the global green development trend, businesses and farmers have now joined forces to establish green agricultural chains, resulting in a sustainable supply chain that fulfils international criteria and earns certifications such as Fair Trade, Organic, Rain Forest, and 4C,” Hiep said.

In 2016, Vinh Hiep invested in converting 42 hectares of conventional coffee plantation to the U.S.’s USDA organic model. As the expense of building an organic farm is high, this is regarded as a significant step forward.

After defining and revising standards, the company began negotiations with Japanese partners in 2022. After two years, Vietnam's first batch of organic coffee was officially exported to Japan at prices 35% higher than conventional coffee.