Strengthening quality control and information transparency to make OCOP a strong brand

Enhancing quality control and information transparency to develop OCOP into a strong brand

The "One Commune One Product" (OCOP) program has significantly contributed to developing organizational models for producing and trading traditional and advantageous rural products, providing sustainable income for local people. However, the program still reveals limitations that require enhanced inspection and supervision to improve quality and achieve more comprehensive outcomes.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, by December 2024, Vietnam had 15,590 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher—exceeding the 2025 target of 10,000 products. Among them, 79 products earned 5 stars, and many 4- and 5-star products have been successfully exported.

To date, more than 674 OCOP display and sales centers have been established across urban areas and tourist destinations nationwide. OCOP products are now steadily distributed through supermarket chains such as Central Retail, Saigon Coop, Mega Market, and e-commerce platforms like Voso, Lazada, and VnPost, contributing to higher incomes for local producers and economies.

Hanoi leads the OCOP program with significant results: from 2019 to now, 3,317 products have been evaluated, including 6 five-star, 22 potential five-star, 1,571 four-star, and 1,718 three-star products. The city has also developed 110 OCOP sales centers to help consumers easily identify and buy these products.

The program is not only improving income and rural economic development but also becoming a driving force for the New Rural Development (NTM) movement. Despite exceeding expectations, experts point out limitations—particularly in scaling and improving product quality.

Even Hanoi, the national leader, has only six certified 5-star products. Former Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong noted common challenges: seasonal, low-volume production; fragmented, small-scale producers; and weak management capacity among OCOP participants.

Moreover, consumption remains below potential. OCOP products often lack clear differentiation, affecting competitiveness and brand recognition. Even when prominently displayed in supermarkets, consumers show limited interest due to poor awareness and insufficient information.

Mr. Ngo Truong Son, Head of the Central NTM Coordination Office, emphasized that the ministry will strengthen product quality control. Non-compliant or falsely registered products will be recalled to protect the program's reputation. Efforts will also focus on supporting new product development, marketing, and trade promotion to raise awareness and strengthen state management.

Hanoi’s strategic focus includes diversifying product types, enhancing market connectivity, and tightening quality management to ensure transparent information for consumers.

Expanding OCOP markets through e-commerce

With rapid e-commerce development, Quang Ninh province has effectively promoted and sold OCOP products online, helping local businesses connect with both domestic and international consumers. Currently, 100% of OCOP products from Quang Ninh province are listed on major e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki—560 products in total, with 393 rated 3 to 5 stars.

The digital transformation has improved product exposure and management. The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has assisted producers in building websites, Facebook pages, emails, and joining online platforms. Most OCOP entities now have their own online sales channels, improving outreach and sales.

One standout product is Dong Rui sea duck eggs from Tien Yen district, rated 4 stars with traceable origin. Its daily sales have risen to 12,000–15,000 units thanks to online sales channels.

The province also signed logistics deals with GHN Express, Viettel, and VNPT, and enabled electronic payments via Viettel Pay, ensuring fast, convenient delivery and payment for consumers.

Quang Ninh’s OCOP e-commerce platform has emerged as a powerful sales tool, promoting products across and beyond the province, even internationally. Successful examples include Ha Long squid patties, Binh Lieu vermicelli, and Quy Hoa yellow flower tea.

According to Hoang Duc Kha, Deputy Director of the Center for Trade Promotion, product quality and variety are the foundation for sustainable growth. The platform is integrated with trade fairs, exhibitions, and promotion events to broaden product reach and enhance the province’s digital transformation.

Looking ahead to 2025, 55% of residents in Quang Ninh province are expected to shop online, and 50% of modern retailers will adopt cashless payment methods. The province also plans to help producers develop sales, marketing, logistics, and payment platforms.

Along with upgrading infrastructure, OCOP products will be promoted both domestically and internationally. These policies aim to drive sustainable economic development and digital transformation in Quang Ninh.

Increasing agricultural value through OCOP program

To help farmers boost their economy, Quang Ninh province implemented the OCOP program during NTM construction. The initiative has tapped into rural potential, raised incomes, and restructured the agricultural sector.

Thanks to efforts by local authorities, businesses, and farmers, OCOP products now hold higher economic value. The program has brought rural entrepreneurs’ ideas to life, helping them thrive on their land. Many OCOP brands in Quang Ninh have become nationally recognized.

For example, Huc Dong Commune (Binh Lieu district) used to be one of the poorest regions. Thanks to OCOP, living conditions have improved. Ethnic minority households have shifted their mindset from subsistence farming to commercial production, especially through vermicelli made from arrowroot, which now provides them with stable and rising income.

The province supports OCOP efforts from business planning to trade promotion and distribution. It also continues to review and plan raw material zones, assign planting and farming codes, and boost food safety measures. Processing capacity is being enhanced to upgrade 4-star products to meet national 5-star standards.

Regular trade fairs and promotional events at district and provincial levels help connect OCOP products with consumers.

These integrated efforts have helped businesses, cooperatives, and farmers innovate and improve their practices. Many have invested in equipment, production lines, and contractual farming with guaranteed purchases. As a result, agricultural products in general—and OCOP products in particular—are increasing in quality, output, and economic return, raising farmer incomes significantly.