Many difficulties and challenges
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Vien, Director of PM Coffee Company Limited (Dak Lak) shared: "In the 2024 - 2025 coffee crop, many businesses in the area are facing difficulties due to this year's lower coffee output than the same period last year. In addition, farmers have the mentality of hoarding coffee after harvest to wait for prices to increase, causing transactions to be quiet. By the end of November 2024, buying and selling activities were still not as vibrant as last year. We hope that from December 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, the situation will improve, helping to achieve an export output of 10,000 - 20,000 tons of raw coffee to markets such as Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Africa".
Mr. Thai Anh Tuan - Deputy General Director of Dak Lak 2-9 Import-Export Company Limited (Simexco DakLak) - said: "In the 2024 - 2025 crop season, we plan to export 120,000 tons of coffee. However, the erratic fluctuations in coffee prices are a big challenge, forcing businesses to be flexible in price negotiations and managing purchase and sale limits to ensure profits."
Currently, Simexco DakLak is cooperating with IDH to implement EUDR (EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation) for 6 coffee production areas in Buon Ma Thuot, Buon Ho, Krong Nang, Cu Mgar, Cu Kuin and Krong Ana, with nearly 82,000 households, 106 hectares and 300,000 tons of output. Mr. Tuan emphasized: "This is a great advantage for Dak Lak coffee in particular and Vietnam in general to affirm its position in the international market".
Connecting and elevating Vietnamese coffee
Dak Lak province will organize an international trade conference - "Connecting and enhancing Vietnamese coffee" in the first quarter of 2025. The event will combine modern science and technology transfer activities to produce high-quality coffee, promote trade, connect trade and boost exports. The goal is to increase the value of local coffee exports.
Mr. Nguyen Hoai Duong - Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Lak province - commented: "If implemented properly, this conference will pave the way for businesses to promote and introduce coffee products and invite domestic and foreign investors to survey and witness the planting and processing process. From there, it will create opportunities for discussion and long-term cooperation, especially in the field of deep processing".
Currently, the proportion of deeply processed coffee in Dak Lak only accounts for about 15% of total output, a modest figure compared to the potential of Vietnam's coffee capital - where each crop year produces more than 530,000 tons.
According to Mr. Duong, what local businesses are most interested in is building sustainable relationships with international partners to exploit the potential of deep processing. This coordination requires effective connection, application of advanced science and technology and ensuring stable output for products.
Mr. Duong emphasized: "The Provincial People's Committee needs to invite reputable units to survey and monitor the coffee production process before the conference takes place. Early access will help partners have an overview and easily decide on cooperation and investment. This not only contributes to improving the quality and value of Dak Lak coffee but also supports farmers in sustainable production, increasing income and improving their lives."
The conference is expected to be a turning point in the journey to bring Dak Lak coffee further, enhance its position in the international market and sustainably develop the province's agricultural sector.
