In January–February 2026, Vietnamese strawberry exports recorded US$3.4 million. This is a remarkable growth of roughly 2,000 times year on year. Considering that the 2021 export value was a mere US$6,000 (about 900,000 yen), the speed of this rapid growth is unprecedented even in the history of agricultural exports. What caused this change? We analyze in detail, from the formation of production areas on the ground to demand in export markets.
Data on the rapid growth of Vietnamese strawberry exports
| Period | Export value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Full year 2021 | About US$6,000 | Base year |
| Full-year 2025 | US$1.74 million | Sharp increase year on year |
| January–February 2026 | US$3.4 million | About 2,000 times the 2021 level |
This acceleration is not mere quantitative expansion, but the result of a trinity of "production-area formation, processing technology and market development" beginning to work together for the first time.
Major production areas: Son La and Lam Dong provinces
The two major bases forming Vietnam's strawberry-producing regions are "Son La province" in the northwest and "Lam Dong province (around Da Lat)" in the Central Highlands.
Son La province(northwestern highlands)
– Planted area: 600 hectares
– Annual output: 10,000 tonnes
– Features: Many organized farmers, such as the Xuan Que strawberry agricultural cooperative (17 members, 50 ha, annual output 1,250 tonnes)
Lam Dong province(Central Highlands, Da Lat)
– Planted area: 170 hectares
– Features: A long history as Vietnam's largest strawberry-producing area
The two provinces together have a production scale of 770 hectares and over 11,250 tonnes, and GlobalGAP-certified farms are also increasing.
Breakdown of export destinations and differences in demand
The current main export destinations are "China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the EU and the Middle East."
To South Korea and Japan: Freeze-dried and frozen products are mainstream. Demand is high for smoothie ingredients and confectionery uses.
To the EU: Supply of raw materials to the organic-certified and superfood markets. Europe's wellness consumer segment has begun seeking high-quality Vietnamese strawberries.
A distinctive feature is that the bulk of exports are frozen, freeze-dried and processed goods. Because fresh strawberries are difficult to export due to shelf-life and transport-cost problems, they are exported in value-added, processed form.
Why is "2,000-fold export growth" happening now
1. Organization of production areas through agricultural cooperatives
As organized producer groups such as the Xuan Que strawberry agricultural cooperative have increased, uniform quality and compliance with export standards have become possible.
2. Spread of freezing and freeze-drying technology
What solved the shelf-life problem that was a barrier to export is processing technology. Agricultural-product processing plants have been added, centered on Son La and Lam Dong provinces, making it possible to convert produce into exportable goods by freezing and freeze-drying it immediately after harvest.
3. The government's fruit-export support policy
The Vietnamese government has set its 2026 agriculture, forestry and fisheries export target at US$73–74 billion, and the fruit and vegetable category achieved US$1.54 billion in Q1 alone, up 32% year on year.
Challenge: improving cold storage and logistics
Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, points out that "improving cold-storage technology is the key to expanding exports." As the cold chain (low-temperature logistics) develops, the currently difficult air transport of fresh strawberries and entry into high-value markets will become possible.
Implications for Japanese buyers and food makers
Diversifying sources of freeze-dried strawberries: Currently, Japan's freeze-dried strawberries are mainly from California and Europe, but Vietnamese product is highly price-competitive. Once quality certification is in place, it will be a strong candidate as an alternative source.
Cost reduction for OEM products: A growing number of food manufacturers are considering switching to Vietnamese freeze-dried strawberries in OEM confectionery and beverage products that use strawberries.
The momentum of Vietnam's agricultural exports overall
Total agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports in Q1 2026 were US$16.9 billion (up 5.9% year on year), and the trade surplus reached US$4.78 billion (up 12% year on year). Pepper (+28.8%) and fruits and vegetables (+32.1%) were particularly strong.
Reference information:
– Strawberry exports jump 2,000-fold（VnExpress）
– Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports reach nearly $16.7 bln in Q1 2026（VnEconomy）
– Vietnam’s Fruit and Vegetable Exports Surge Past $8.5 Billion（Financial Content）
Related articles:
– Vietnam's 2026 agriculture, forestry and fishery export target of 73–74 billion dollars
– Vietnam's fresh produce exports up 27% year on year in Q1
– Vietnam's rice exports: volume up but price down 10.7% in January–March 2026
