Suoi Cat Cocoa Agricultural Service Cooperative: A model of international-reaching linkage

Coming from a disadvantaged family, but with the will to rise and the desire to make a fortune in his homeland, Truong Van My in Xuan Loc commune, Dong Nai province, has made efforts to establish a large-scale cocoa field, mobilizing farmers to participate in production through a sustainable linkage chain.

Thanks to this, Dong Nai cocoa products not only have stable output but also reach international standards, being ranked among the top 10 excellent Asian brands, which contributes to promoting the development of local agriculture in a modern and effective direction. In particular, My has built the Suoi Cat Cocoa Agricultural Service Cooperative, which won the Cooperative Star Award in 2024 and many other prestigious awards.

After successfully developing a more than 4-hectare cocoa garden with high economic efficiency, Truong Van My boldly encouraged local farmers to join in cocoa cultivation following a sustainable, organic production model with stable market linkages. In 2020, Suoi Cat Cocoa Agricultural Service Cooperative was established with 22 members and 20 hectares under initial cultivation. To date, the cooperative has expanded to over 100 hectares of cocoa with about 100 participating members. My is not only the leader but also a source of inspiration, guiding techniques and sharing experience with farmers through training programs and specialized workshops on organic cocoa farming and GlobalG.A.P. certification registration.

Thanks to the application of scientific and technical advances, business linkages, and support policies under the Large Field model, many households that previously grew cashews with low returns have now switched to cocoa cultivation, earning between 500 and 700 million VND per hectare per year. The cooperative has currently signed a product off-take agreement with Marou Chocolate (Marou Faiseurs de Chocolat), ensuring stable market access for farmers. At the same time, the cooperative is also focusing on deep processing and product development to increase value and expand into markets such as France, Japan, Singapore, China, the United States, and others.

Cocoa farmers participate in training courses organized by Truong Van My. Photo: Le Thuy

Truong Van My (in white shirt) explains to cooperative members how to care for cocoa to ensure high quality and attractive appearance. Photo: Le Thuy

Using high-quality raw materials, Suoi Cat Cocoa Agricultural Service Cooperative has developed a range of products under the "Thanh Y Cocoa" brand, including wine, cocoa butter, lip balm made from cocoa butter, pure cocoa powder, and various types of chocolate, dark, milk, white, matcha, and chocolate combined with cashew nuts, peanuts, and strawberries. Among them, two products, pure cocoa powder and milk chocolate, have been awarded the provincial-level 3-star OCOP certification. Notably, the cooperative’s fermented cocoa beans have been rated by businesses from the United States, Japan, Singapore, and China as the best in Vietnam and are sought after at premium prices. This accomplishment is a clear testament to the quality and reputation of Dong Nai’s agricultural products in the international market.

Truong Van My introduces OCOP products from the cooperative's cocoa. Photo: Dang Hung

Not stopping at production, My has also integrated a sustainable organic farming model with experiential tourism, helping to enhance the value of agricultural products while creating more jobs and income for local people. Xuan Loc Cocoa Garden has become a destination for tourism, education, and hands-on experiences for students, attracting around 2,000 visitors each year. In 2024, the site was recognized as meeting OCOP Tourism standards, contributing to the promotion of Dong Nai’s modern, eco-friendly, and community-oriented agricultural image.

Foreign tourists pose for photos with Truong Van My (center) at the cocoa bean drying workshop at Xuan Loc Cocoa Garden eco-tourism site

With outstanding contributions, in 2023, Suoi Cat Cocoa Agricultural Service Cooperative was honored with a certificate of merit from the Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee for its excellent achievements in the patriotic emulation movement, as well as a certificate of merit from the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance for exemplary collective economic development. The cooperative was further recognized with the title "Cooperative Star – CoopStar Awards 2024" and certified by the Asia Economic Research Institute (ERIA) as one of the top 10 excellent Asian brands. Truong Van My was also awarded the title "Outstanding Farmer of Dong Nai 2024," while the product "Thanh Y Cocoa" was selected as a provincial outstanding product.

Truong Van My receives the top 10 Excellent Asian Brands in 2024.

By 2025, the cooperative is set to receive another certificate of merit from the Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee for its outstanding achievements within the 2024 emulation cluster and bloc, reaffirming the pioneering role of its sustainable linked cocoa production model. On the upcoming October 15, the cooperative will also be honored at the Dong Nai Provincial Patriotic Emulation Congress 2025.

Nguyen Van Giang, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial Farmers' Association, stated: "Through emulation movements, particularly the 'good farmers in production and business' movement, many exemplary figures such as Truong Van My have emerged. These models help promote a spirit of innovation and creativity in production, supporting farmers in developing their economy along organic, circular, and ecological lines."

From a resilient farmer, Truong Van My has demonstrated that by shifting their mindset, applying science and technology, and fostering collaboration, farmers can fully take control of the agricultural value chain, not only enriching themselves but also contributing to the development of Dong Nai’s agriculture in a direction that is modern, sustainable, and globally integrated.

By Le Thuy, Dang Hung – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho