Vietnamese food firms connect with 300 major domestic and international buyers via exhibition

More than 300 domestic and international buyers from 15 countries are expected to attend the Ho Chi Minh City FOODEX 2025 exhibition from April 16-19 in search of business partners.

The 4th HCMC International Food and Food Industry Exhibition 2025 (HCMC FOODEX 2025), themed “Natural - green - sustainable products,” brings together nearly 400 companies, organizations, and leading brands from the food and beverage industry.

They represent not only HCMC but also other provinces and countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, and Malaysia. More than 300 buyers from 15 countries will also be in attendance.

HCMC FOODEX 2025 will showcase a wide range of agricultural products, specialty processed foods, spices, food additives, beverages, machinery, and other food industry-related technologies, featuring many of Vietnam’s top brands.

Nguyen Kim Thanh, general director of Sa Ky JSC, a seafood-focused enterprise, shared that while her company has long exported products to the U.S. and European markets, it has recently started to re-enter the domestic market. Currently, the domestic market accounts for only about 10% of Sa Ky’s total sales.

“I believe that with our product lines, including fish, shrimp, squid, and snails, that meet high export standards and are convenient to prepare and package, we can confidently gain more traction in the domestic market,” said Thanh.

From Quang Nam province, Luong Van Phong, a representative of Quy Thu Production and Trading Co., Ltd., introduced a variety of baked coconut cakes with flavors such as original, sesame, sweet potato, and ginger.

Phong noted that his company is one of only two in Quang Nam to have earned the prestigious 5-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) certification. Quy Thu has already made a few trial exports to markets including the U.S., mainland China, and Taiwan.

“Although our export volume is still limited, we believe in the quality and standards of our products. Through this exhibition, we hope to connect with new partners and expand the reach of our local specialties,” said Phong.

Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the HCMC People’s Committee, highlighted that the food and foodstuff industry currently contributes 14-15% of the city’s total industrial production value and is one of the four key sectors prioritized for development.

According to Thuy, HCMC’s economy showed strong recovery in Q1/2025. The gross regional domestic product (GRDP) grew by more than 7.5% year-over-year - the highest Q1 growth rate since 2020. However, she acknowledged that import and export activities still face significant challenges amid global economic uncertainty.

City leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting businesses by implementing practical solutions - such as enhancing trade promotion efforts, strengthening supply-demand connections, and improving access to capital - to help local enterprises overcome current difficulties.