Proactively securing raw materials for sustainable production

Self-sufficiency in raw materials is a critical factor for businesses, especially amid global economic challenges and geopolitical instability, which have led to disruptions in economic linkages and production chains.

In recent years, enterprises across Dong Nai have made great efforts to proactively develop their own sources of raw materials for production. At the same time, they are working to upgrade their products and expand international cooperation to meet increasingly stringent global standards.

Domilk is striving to establish and connect a raw milk production zone.

Taking the initiative in raw materials

Phu Hoa commune-based Trong Duc Cocoa Co., Ltd. is one of Vietnam’s major producers and suppliers of cocoa-based products. The company has been pursuing a development strategy focused on deep processing of cocoa into a wide range of products, including cocoa wine, chocolate, and cocoa powder, distributed across various sales channels. It has also partnered with Japanese companies to produce high-quality goods for export to Japan and other international markets.

According to Director Dang Tuong Khanh of Trong Duc Cocoa, the company has long worked to build large cocoa raw material areas across Dong Nai, covering hundreds of hectares to ensure supply autonomy. In addition to cultivating its local raw material zones, the company has recently expanded into Gia Lai province, achieving encouraging initial results.

When businesses are self-reliant in sourcing raw materials, they can produce finished goods or supply inputs to other producers more effectively, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

Khanh added that the recent surge in cocoa prices has drawn significant attention from various stakeholders. However, for the company, expanding raw material zones is part of a long-term, sustainable growth strategy rather than a short-term response to market price fluctuations. The firm will continue to focus on developing high-quality raw material zones to ensure stable production and meet customer demands.

Similarly, in recent years, Domilk J.S Company in Long Thanh commune,has been actively investing in products that highlight local identity. In addition to a wide variety of branded milk-based confectionery products sold nationwide, Domilk is promoting innovation by integrating regional specialties such as mangosteen, Tan Trieu pomelo, and Tan Lap peanuts into its product lines. The company also collaborates to feature iconic images of Dong Nai’s people, landscapes, and economy on its packaging.

In its long-term strategy to become one of Dong Nai’s leading food manufacturers, Domilk is focusing on building local milk supply chains for processing. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thanh, the company’s Director, said Domilk is surveying and planning to partner with farmers and local authorities in Xuan Phu commune to develop a high-quality dairy farming area. Given the declining output from household farmers and shortages from other major dairy-producing regions, having a self-reliant local supply is essential.

Striving to meet global standards

For Dong Nai Rubber Corporation (Donaruco), one of the largest players in Vietnam’s rubber industry, the company has implemented a series of advanced technical and technological solutions. It applies modern science and technology in the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of rubber. Beyond Dong Nai, the company also invests in and develops rubber plantations in Lam Dong province, Laos and Cambodia. Currently, the company operates 39,100 hectares of rubber plantations, 10 rubber farms, three processing factories with a combined capacity of 49,000 tons per year, and seven subsidiaries involved in rubber cultivation, rubber and wood processing, and industrial infrastructure development.

General Director Do Minh Tuan of Donaruco, said that in addition to securing raw materials, the company is committed to deep processing and developing high-value-added products to meet market demands. It continuously researches and innovates new products, gradually mastering the global value chain while vigorously building and promoting the DONARUCO brand internationally.

Vice Chairman Vo Quang Ha of Dowa introduces Dong Nai’s wood industry to international partners.

Vo Quang Ha, Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (Dowa), noted that Dong Nai ranks as the second-largest locality in Vietnam in terms of wood production and exports. Therefore, efforts by enterprises to meet international standards are crucial. In recent times, Dowa has actively connected with both domestic and international organizations to offer training and workshops for member businesses, aimed at improving production capacity and applying new technologies. Moreover, the wood industry has been strengthening ties with forest growers and agricultural and forestry companies to establish legally sourced wood material zones. These efforts help ensure compliance with anti-deforestation regulations and other standards required by demanding export markets.

Reported by V. Gia