METRO Increases Agricultural Export to Foreign Markets

“The first 23-tonne batch of Vietnamese dragon fruits that reached Shanghai safely earlier this month signalled a great potential of exporting quality fruit and vegetable products from Vietnam to China and other countries,” said Do Kim Dung, Fresh and Frozen Sourcing Manager, METRO Singapore Trading Office.

 

In the past several months, METRO Cash & Carry Vietnam, METRO Singapore Trading Office and Vietnam’s Ministries have cooperated to enhance Vietnamese exports via METRO network.

 

 “This is the first trial order with Red Dragon, a Vietnamese company,” said Dung. “The volume of this order is small but we hope it will grow within the next few years.”

According to Dung, METRO is currently looking for qualified Vietnamese suppliers who can provide other agricultural products such as garlic, ginger, passion fruit, star fruit, rambutan, white and green asparagus, and strawberries.

 

In 2013, METRO purchased more than US$6 million worth of food produced in Vietnam directly from Vietnamese suppliers and distributed to its stores around the globe. Key products are seafood and fruit. In 2014, METRO is planning to source goods from Vietnam with a purchase value exceeding US$12 million.

Entering Vietnam in 2002, METRO Cash & Carry Vietnam has now had 19 stores nationwide. The company has invested heavily in developing cold chains and sustainable supply chains in the country to ensure hygiene and food safety from farm to fork.