Vietnamese fruit and vegetable export to EU grows 33% in 4 months

Vietnamese fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, pistachios, pineapples, and coconuts are gaining popularity in the European market, with export revenues rising sharply in Jan-April by as much as 41% to 200% year-on-year.

According to Vietnam Customs data, total fruit and vegetable exports to the EU reached $132 million in the four-month period, up 33% year-over-year.

Mango exports led the surge, generating $27.6 million, an increase of 54%. Pistachios followed with $17 million, up 90%. Pineapple exports tripled to $11 million, while coconut exports rose 41% to $10 million.

The Netherlands remains the largest EU importer of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, accounting for nearly $37 million, or 28% of the total export value to the bloc.

Other key markets also posted strong growth. Exports to Poland more than doubled, Spain recorded an 83% increase, and both Germany and France saw double-digit growth.

In 2024, Vietnam’s agricultural exports to the EU hit a record $4.21 billion, with the fruit and vegetable sector achieving double-digit growth, driven by a strong rebound in consumer demand.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that total fruit and vegetable exports reached $7.1 billion, up nearly 27% against 2023 - a new record for the industry. This performance stood out as a bright spot in the broader landscape of Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports in 2024.

Durian topped the list of fruit exports with an estimated value of $3.3 billion, followed by dragon fruit ($435 million), bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, coconuts, and watermelons.

The ministry attributed the sector’s success to increased output of key fruits and effective market penetration - especially in China.

In a talk with The Investor, Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, mentioned four key reasons behind the growing popularity of the items in the EU.

Firstly, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has reduced or eliminated tariffs on many Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products, giving them a price advantage over competitors.

Secondly, post-pandemic consumer demand for fresh and processed produce in the EU has rebounded. Simultaneously, the EU's domestic production has seen a slight decline, increasing the demand for imports.

Thirdly, Vietnamese producers are placing greater emphasis on quality control - from cultivation to harvesting - ensuring products meet the EU’s strict food safety and pesticide regulations.

Fourthly, Vietnam exports a wide range of fruits and vegetables to the EU, including dragon fruit, mangoes, passion fruit, pineapples, coconuts, grapefruits, and lychees. The Netherlands continues to serve as the largest gateway market for these goods.

In summary, the convergence of tariff advantages under the EVFTA, strong post-pandemic demand, the EU's diversified sourcing strategy, and Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to enhance product quality have driven significant growth in fruit and vegetable exports to the block.