Henry Le’s company Ago ImportExport grows and exports dragon fruit from Binh Thuan in Vietnam. Usually, the dragon fruit harvest season usually takes place around June to the end of August. In addition to the main crop, there is also lighting to stimulate off-season flowering. Therefore, Vietnamese dragon fruit can be supplied year-round to countries around the world.
Introducing his company, Henry explains: “Currently, our company grows dragon fruit in Binh Thuan and we use traditional, local varieties of white-fleshed fruits. Nowadays, the harvest season takes place all year round in Vietnam, with a time division to ensure a guaranteed supply and not let too much quantity at the same time. This year, in September 2023, the output was relatively lower than in previous years because of heavy rains affecting the quality of the fruit, especially red dragon fruit. This leads to the peak price of dragon fruit in September. Despite the high price, importers from countries around the world still have very high demand and there are times when there is no dragon fruit to sell.”
Starting in October, the electricity generation season begins and the rainy season passes, so output gradually stabilizes.
“This year's export output of dragon fruit is less than usual because some of the main importing countries in Vietnam are also growing dragon fruit. We have seen the market changing”, continues Henry: “However, in terms of quality and flavor, the fruit originates from our Binh Thuan regional, and we can offer a superior product. Weather has a great influence on the development and ripening process of dragon fruit. Little rain, stable temperature, and enough sunlight are important factors for dragon fruit to grow and ripen well. Bad weather such as heavy rain, weak sunlight, or drought can harm dragon fruit trees and reduce product quality. In Binh Thuan, factors such as rain, stable temperature, and enough sunshine help dragon fruit production. There is a lot of rain in just a short period of time, which is why Vietnamese dragon fruit quality is considered the best in the world."
Dragon fruit is grown mainly in Binh Thuan, Long An, Tien Giang in Vietnam. The total dragon fruit growing area in the country has reached 64 thousand hectares, with an output of 1.4 million tons. For Henry’s company Ago, the total garden area is about 200 hectares
In recent years dragon fruit production in Vietnam has significantly grown.
Ago is developing its export markets. According to Henry: “Currently my company's main market is India and Middle Eastern countries. The future plan includes that our products meet Globalgap standards to be able to supply Europe. Dragon fruit prices fluctuate throughout the year. The price of dragon fruit in September is twice as high as normal times due to increased demand, and the supply at the end of the main season is less than in July and August”.
The image of dragon fruit through the Mid-Autumn Festival is a characteristic feature of Binh Thuan province's culture because this region is at the center of Vietnamese dragon fruit. Regarding supply, the mid-autumn festival is close to the full moon day in Vietnam, so consumption is very high, this is also a factor in prices increasing in September.
Exports to China for some Vietnamese products are currently blocked. According to Henry: “Because of the heightened demand, some Vietnamese and foreign traders, for immediate profits, mix and export low-quality products. Although the quantity is very small, it still negatively affects the image of Vietnamese products. Fortunately, this is an issue that the Vietnamese government and our Ministry of Agriculture are condemning and thoroughly resolving. We understand the existing problem, so Ago was born and carries the mission of affirming the quality of Vietnamese products in the international market. Ago always commits to growing standards suitable for each different market, selecting product quality as well as standard processing processes”.
“The current export market tends to be slower than previous years because main importing countries such as China and India are also expanding dragon fruit cultivation. However, we are still confident about the quality and freshness of dragon fruit from Binh Thuan, Vietnam”, says Henry: “This is also the time we recognize the need to expand our market to more European countries, focusing more on dragon fruit quality.
In the future, Ago hopes to grow its presence in Europe and the Middle East. In addition to fresh dragon fruit, the company is also investing in developing dried dragon fruit products. Drying with exclusive technology helps dragon fruit retain its natural flavor and preserve it for a long time. Ago’s dried dragon fruit is currently available in the UK and US.
