HANOI: In recent years, Hanoi’s agricultural authorities have actively supported local cooperatives in developing brands and trademarks and enhancing the quality and value of their products in the market.

Hanoi has long been known for many unique specialties that are favoured by consumers both domestically and internationally.

For example, Canh oranges, Dien grapefruits, Cu Da soy sauce, Kim An guavas and Tan Uoc pork sausage and rice cakes.

However, many agricultural products have yet to meet the requirements of international markets for food safety and traceability.

To achieve this, building brands for agricultural products is crucial.

For over 10 years, farmers in Kim An Commune, Thanh Oai District have transformed their agricultural production model to focus on growing fruit trees especially a variety of oranges so sweet they are nicknamed ‘sugar oranges’.

After several years of implementing a safe production process – in 2016 – Kim An Sugar Orange produce was certified with a collective trademark by the Intellectual Property Department (under the Science and Technology Ministry), and received a VietGAP certification from the International Certification Organisation.Tam Hung Agricultural Cooperative in the same district has also been trying to build the Boi Khe Fragrant Rice brand.

“All farmers are required to focus on production following the VietGAP standards, with a closed process from seedling selection to processing and marketing,” said Do Van Kien, the cooperative’s director.

The products are packaged with logos and trademarks, or in large bags according to customer requests.

“Thanks to efforts in promoting the value of the collective trademark, our rice products have established their reputation and quality in the domestic market,” Kien added.

 — ANN