The "5-star" journey of Binh Lieu vermicelli

At the end of May, at the national OCOP product evaluation and classification conference in 2025 (phase 1), Binh Lieu vermicelli products of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company were ranked 5 stars nationally. This is a product that has created its own mark, affirmed its reputation and quality in the market, contributed to building new rural areas and created jobs for many local workers.

Binh Lieu vermicelli of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company was displayed at the National Conference to summarize the National Target Program on New Rural Development for the 2021-2025 period chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh . Photo: Provided by the unit.

Previously, vermicelli was made by hand by people in Binh Lieu district (old) mainly for family meals. Realizing the potential of this agricultural product, the leaders of Binh Lieu district (old) had a policy to restore the traditional vermicelli making profession. In 2006, Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company invested in building a vermicelli processing factory in Dong Tam commune (old). The company's leadership began to learn about the vermicelli making process from traditional to applying modern machinery, with the expectation of building an agricultural product brand with its own identity and a clear development roadmap.

Recalling the difficult early days, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Bach, former Deputy Director of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company, shared: In 2008, when the factory was formed and put into operation, a storm and flood came, washing away the entire factory, the company almost started from zero. That was the most difficult time when the vermicelli had been made into finished products but could not be consumed because the product was not widely known to consumers. There were times when we had to exchange the finished vermicelli for raw materials to build the factory.

With the collective trademark "Binh Lieu vermicelli" registered for protection, the company's products have gradually affirmed their brand. Thanks to stable profit growth, the company has had the resources to invest in machinery, equipment, and modern factories, meeting the requirements of large-scale production. The turning point came in 2017, when the company boldly registered to participate in the OCOP program and achieved 4 stars for the first time. The company's vermicelli products received more attention from authorities at all levels, were supported to participate in trade promotion programs, and accessed public investment support. This was like a boost to help the business grow strongly, cherishing the hope of achieving 5 stars in the near future.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tung, Deputy Director of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company, said: To be certified 5 stars, the product must meet many extremely strict standards. We have long determined that we must solve the standards of sustainable growing areas. To encourage people to grow cassava and maintain it until now, the company has persistently promoted it to every household, every village and hamlet. In addition, timely support from local and provincial authorities with practical resolutions and policies is indispensable. In 2017, Binh Lieu district (old) introduced a policy to support people 100% in terms of seeds and fertilizers. When Resolution 194 of the Provincial People's Council was issued, the company was also one of the first units to participate in the project to cooperate with people to grow and consume cassava. In 2022, we were granted a growing area code.

Mr. Vi Quoc Sau (Na Ang village, Luc Hon commune) takes care of the arrowroot plant.

Currently, the company's factory scale is nearly 10,000m², with 12 permanent workers and nearly 20 seasonal workers. The company is signing a partnership with more than 500 households, with an area of ​​more than 60ha, through a form of correspondence with the participation of 3 parties (Enterprise - State - Households growing cassia). The company will get the varieties from the Central Institute of Plant Breeding, ensuring disease resistance and high productivity.

Mr. Vi Quoc Sau (Na Ang village, Luc Hon commune) shared: People seriously follow the organic growing process, do not use pesticides or toxic chemicals in the care or treatment process. All seeds, fertilizers, and medicines are provided by the company. We are very assured because the output of cassava is guaranteed at a stable price, so we are aware of our role in having clean input materials, from which we can have clean products. Having a 5-star OCOP product like this is the pride of local people, helping many families have a more sustainable source of income.

Recently, Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company has invested in a system of flexible coating and drying machines and a boiler worth over 2.7 billion VND, contributing to shortening the manual drying process of vermicelli, not depending on the weather, helping to reduce labor, increase output while still ensuring quality. Along with that, the unit focuses on changing the packaging styles, designs, and product types to be eye-catching, professional, and imbued with local identity. Vermicelli not only serves daily consumption needs, but is also suitable as gifts during the Tet holiday.

The new coating and drying machine system and boiler worth over 2.7 billion VND were invested by the unit from the end of 2024.

Being recognized as a 5-star OCOP opens up many export potentials for Binh Lieu vermicelli. Since 2021, this product has been exported to the Chinese market and received positive feedback. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tung, Deputy Director of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company, said: "The fact that dong vermicelli is one of the eight 5-star OCOP products of the province is both a great honor and an opportunity and a lever for the company to widely promote its brand, expand its customer base and connect to expand the market in the Northern provinces and Southern provinces; towards exporting to demanding markets such as Japan, Korea, Europe; boosting consumption through e-commerce platforms... Currently, in the dong vermicelli product market, there are also many direct competitors, so we have to aim to further standardize the production process, optimize operating costs, increase competitiveness and contribute to maintaining the reputation of the company as well as the collective brand "Binh Lieu dong vermicelli". Especially with the new 2-level government model coming into operation, businesses are very hopeful to receive a lot of attention on administrative procedures, support policies on capital, promotion, export...

Do Hung

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/hanh-trinh-5-sao-cua-mien-dong-binh-lieu-3365662.html