Dong Nai backs Nedspice’s expansion of sustainable pepper value chain

On April 15, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang conducted a field survey of the sustainable pepper production chain in Nghia Trung commune, followed by a working session at the factory of Nedspice Processing Vietnam Co., Ltd., a Netherlands-invested enterprise, in Dong Tam commune.

Nedspice Processing Vietnam operates globally in sourcing, processing, and supplying spices, herbs, and dehydrated vegetables. In Vietnam, the company currently runs two processing plants located in Dong Tam commune and Ho Chi Minh City, with a total annual output of around 28,000 tonnes of processed and exported agricultural products. Of this volume, pepper accounts for approximately 25,000 tonnes per year, including a wide range of value-added products.

Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang visits an organic pepper farming model under the sustainable pepper value chain development program implemented by Nedspice Processing Vietnam in Nghia Trung commune. Photo: B. Nguyen

During the 2013–2025 period, Nedspice Processing Vietnam collaborated with the former Binh Phuoc province to implement the sustainable pepper value chain development program. To date, the program has established more than 50 clubs and cooperatives, involving 2,500 farming households in the linked production chain. Notably, over 1,000 households have obtained key international certifications, including organic certification. For the 2025–2030 phase, the company continues cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Environment (DoAE) to maintain and expand the sustainable pepper value chain.

Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang works with Nedspice Processing Vietnam. Photo: B. Nguyen

In Nghia Trung commune alone, the company has partnered with local authorities to establish five farmer clubs with 212 members, including one club dedicated to outstanding women farmers engaged in production and business. In 2025, the commune recorded 110 households with certified quality standards, of which 12 achieved organic certification. Farmers in the value chain receive a range of support, from shade trees and solar-powered irrigation systems to technical guidance and input assistance for organic pilot models, along with livelihood support for women farmers. The company also commits to purchasing qualified pepper at prices 7–15% higher than the market average, while certified organic pepper commands premiums of 17–25%.

Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang inspects the pepper processing facility of Nedspice Processing Vietnam in Dong Tam commune. Photo: B. Nguyen

Nedspice Processing Vietnam is currently seeking to invest in a deep-processing facility for pepper products in Dong Nai. The company has proposed that the provincial authorities facilitate access to suitable land, support the development of a crop seed research center, particularly for pepper varieties, assist in implementing demonstration models for clean and sustainable pepper cultivation, and create favorable policy conditions for investors.

Acknowledging these proposals, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang noted that Dong Nai is in the process of implementing a crop seed center project and affirmed that the province will support the company in developing demonstration models for sustainable pepper farming. She also assigned the DoAE as the focal agency to coordinate and address the company’s proposals, while ensuring the most favorable conditions for the enterprise to invest in a processing plant in the province.

By B.Nguyen – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho