Bac Ninh: Bringing OCOP products into modern retail channels

The entire Bac Ninh province currently has nearly 800 products of enterprises, cooperatives, and production facilities recognized as OCOP at the provincial level. However, the number of these products introduced into modern retail channels is still very modest, requiring manufacturers and authorities to take measures to remove difficulties so that OCOP products can increasingly expand their consumption markets.

Currently, the province's OCOP products such as Chu noodles, PKT stewed shrimp paste with meat, Luc Ngan lychee, Que Vo potatoes, Bui Tuan Lien spring rolls... have been sold at a number of supermarkets and convenience stores. This not only brings in revenue but also enhances the reputation and brand positioning of local products. However, the number of products regularly and stably available at modern retail channels is still quite modest compared to the number of OCOP products in the province.

People find it difficult to buy OCOP products of the province in modern retail channels.   (Photo taken at Winmart Supermarket, Kinh Bac ward).

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen, CEO of PTK VIETNAM Joint Stock Company, Tien Du Commune, shared: “Currently, the enterprise has 4 products that meet the 4-star OCOP standard. In the modern retail system, the Company has only been able to access Dabaco supermarket, Kinh Bac ward and Tu Son supermarket, Tu Son ward with small quantities. The main reason is that the modern retail system requires enterprises to have a customer care team; pay for display and barcode opening fees; have to deposit goods and pay in installments... This is a difficulty for enterprises”.

Meanwhile, most local OCOP entities are small-scale and have unsynchronized production technology. Many products are still seasonal and have high prices compared to similar products on the market, making it difficult to introduce them into the modern retail system. In fact, through the "One Commune One Product" Program, the number of recognized OCOP products in the province has increased over the years. From quality to design, product packaging is increasingly focused on, and product types are diverse.

In addition, the province's modern retail system is quite developed. The whole province has 9 shopping centers, 32 supermarkets and hundreds of convenience stores. This is a favorable opportunity to bring OCOP products into modern retail channels, helping OCOP entities, which are enterprises and cooperatives, expand their output and proactively plan their production and business. However, to do this, attention and support from many sides are needed. First of all, OCOP entities need to innovate their thinking, apply science and technology to production so that products ensure quality, have full barcodes and QR codes to trace their origins; create a stable supply source, meeting the requirements of partners.

OCOP entities themselves also need to be proactive, focusing on improving production capacity, completing legal documents; optimizing costs, improving packaging designs in a professional direction; meeting technical standards, such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP... Strengthening skills related to marketing, market access, and brand building. Mr. Nguyen Van Khuong, Director of Khuong Huy Cooperative, Ninh Xa Ward, specializing in producing noodles, vermicelli, rice rolls, banh chung... shared: "The cooperative has 6 OCOP products that are highly appreciated by consumers but has not yet been able to bring products to major supermarkets in the province. In the coming time, we will be more proactive and active in searching and connecting with supermarkets and commercial centers to seek cooperation opportunities and promote product consumption in the market".

On the other hand, the provincial authorities such as the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Industry and Trade, etc. continue to promote support for production linkages, bringing agricultural products into modern consumption channels. Effectively implement policies and plans, encourage businesses to link up and invest in the agricultural sector, creating large-scale commodity production areas. At the same time, pay attention to coordinating to open training courses for farming households; organize cooperative economic organizations in self-control and community supervision of food quality and safety. Build brands, trademarks, communicate, promote products, create trust for consumers and enhance the reputation of OCOP products.

According to Mr. La Van Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, in the coming time, the Department will continue to organize trade promotion activities so that OCOP product manufacturers have the opportunity to introduce themselves to consumers, connect with distribution channels, supermarkets, and food chains. At the same time, promote support for the development of commercial infrastructure (supermarkets, convenience store chains, safe food business points, etc.), create fixed locations for selling and exchanging goods and OCOP products, helping businesses, cooperatives, and production households have a place to exchange and buy and sell regularly. Develop OCOP product introduction and sales points throughout the province so that consumers can identify and prioritize them during the shopping process.

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