Tasting Californian peaches and nectarines in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City

After more than five years of negotiations, the import of California peaches and nectarines into Vietnam has been officially approved by the relevant authorities.

This milestone was celebrated on August 14 in Hanoi with a welcoming ceremony for the first shipment, organized by the California Fresh Fruit Association, the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Klever Trade and Investment Corporation. This follows a similar event in Ho Chi Minh City.

Delegates attend the welcoming ceremony for the first shipment. Photo: Le Nam

During the ceremony, Marc Gilkey, APHIS’s South Asia-Pacific Regional Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion, recalling his recent walk through a pomelo garden on the outskirts of Hanoi. 

Commenting on his return to help open a new market for American peaches and nectarines, he emphasized how this initiative underscores the remarkable trade relationship between the US and Vietnam, where both nations continue to move forward with new agricultural products.

"Five to six years ago, we learned about the potential of the Vietnamese market, where consumers have a strong passion for quality fruit. This has led to significant growth in US fruit exports to Vietnam, making it the 41st market for our nectarines. We hope to continue introducing fresh American plums to Vietnam soon," said Caroline Stringer, Trade Director of the California Fresh Fruit Association.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, a representative of Klever Fruit, said: "The official decision to allow the import of Californian peaches and nectarines marks a new chapter in agricultural cooperation between the two countries. This achievement reflects the efforts and goodwill on both sides to increase bilateral trade and meet the growing demands of consumers".

She noted that while peaches and nectarines are grown in various regions of the US, only those from California are approved for export to Vietnam. California is known for supplying a wide variety of fruits, including cherries and grapes. 

"The introduction of these peaches and nectarines will not only diversify fruit options, but also ensure compliance with the USDA's highest quality standards, making them safe for consumers," she stressed.

Because of their delicate nature and appealing flavor, peaches and nectarines are susceptible to pests. As a result, these "American summer specialties" must meet six stringent requirements and pass tests for 40 types of pests. From growing to harvesting and storage, orchards must adhere to strict standards before reaching Vietnamese consumers.

Peaches are displayed at the event.

Caroline continued, "Vietnam produces unique fruits that the US does not, and meets the thirst of American consumers for high quality, distinctive fruits. Vietnamese companies now have the opportunity to explore fruit exports to the US.

She said that even though she had only been in Vietnam for a few days, she had already experienced some amazing, unusual fruits and couldn't wait to take them back to her family in California.

Currently, Vietnam is the ninth largest agricultural market for the US, while the US is Vietnam's second largest agricultural export market. Total agricultural trade between the two countries will exceed US$5.5 billion in 2023.

Vietnam has eight varieties of fresh fruit approved for export to the US, including dragon fruit, mango, longan, lychee, rambutan, milk apple, grapefruit, and coconut. In return, the US has also been granted permission to export fruits to Vietnam, with peaches and nectarines being the latest additions from California.