BUBU Journey of Discovery: Exploring the Mango Varieties of the Mekong Delta

BUBU Journey of Discovery: Exploring the Mango Varieties of the Mekong Delta

In November 2023, a delegation from Thanh Du Minh Co., Ltd. conducted a field trip to the provinces of the Mekong Delta – the region rightly dubbed the “mango capital” of Vietnam. The trip was attended by Mr. Kang (Company Director), along with Ms. Nhu and Ms. Quynh from the Procurement Department. This annual activity aims to broaden the company’s understanding of local mango varieties, scout for high-quality raw materials, and build sustainable relationships with local farmers.

Discovering the Diversity of Mekong Delta Mangoes

The Southwestern region (Mien Tay Nam Bo) has long been famous for its abundant variety of mango species. From the Cat Hoa Loc mango with its rich sweetness and captivating aroma, to the Keo, Cat Chu, and Tuong Da Xanh (Green Skin Elephant) varieties – each type possesses unique characteristics in shape, flavor, and harvest seasonality.

The delegation had the opportunity to learn and discuss directly with farmers about how to identify, differentiate, and evaluate the quality of each mango variety. This not only added to our professional knowledge but also helped the company better understand the properties of each variety to select the most suitable raw materials for our processed product lines.

Destinations: Tinh Thoi Cooperative and Uncle Chin’s Mango Farm

The first stop was the Tinh Thoi Mango Cooperative (HTX Tinh Thoi) – a leading unit in applying safe cultivation practices and working towards VietGAP standards. Here, the delegation was introduced to the mango cultivation process: from selecting seedlings and inducing flowering to pruning techniques, pest control, and the annual harvest schedule. The team members also toured the orchards, observing the differences in shape, color, and aroma among the different mango types.

Next, the team visited Uncle Chin’s Mango Farm, renowned for its long-established orchards that yield uniformly large fruits of stable quality for the domestic market. The farmers shared valuable experiences on maintaining the mangoes’ natural sweetness, as well as the secret to harvesting at the exact right moment to preserve their characteristic flavor.

Visiting Major Mango Hubs: Thanh Cong and Anh Hong

In addition to the farms, the delegation also visited two of the largest mango wholesale hubs in the Mekong River area: Thanh Cong and Anh Hong. These centers process massive volumes of mangoes daily for distribution across the country and for export.

Here, the team discussed post-harvest procedures with the hub owners, including sorting, packaging, and preservation. Every step is carried out carefully to ensure the mangoes maintain their excellent appearance, consistent ripeness, and natural flavor. This visit also allowed the company to assess the supply capacity, stability, and transparency of the traceability process for potential partners.

The main goal of this field trip was to find farms and partners with superior quality, transparent cultivation processes, and stable year-round supply. Through the discussions, the company noted a growing trend of farmers committed to clean farming practices, reducing chemical use, and adopting international standards to meet export requirements.

Direct surveying helped the company clearly evaluate the differences between various growing regions, understand the real-world challenges faced by farmers, and consequently formulate appropriate cooperation policies for mutual development.

Significance of the Trip

This field trip did more than just provide practical knowledge about Mekong Delta mangoes; it fostered connection and tightened relationships with farmers and cooperatives. This forms the foundation for Thanh Du Minh to continually affirm its commitment: every product delivered to the customer originates from meticulously selected, safely grown mangoes that retain their full natural value.

In the future, the company will continue to organize similar trips to further enhance product quality and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s agricultural sector.

Field Trip Information:

• Time: November 2023

• Survey Locations: Tinh Thoi Cooperative, Uncle Chin’s Mango Farm, Thanh Cong Mango Hub, Anh Hong Mango Hub

• Delegates: Mr. Kang (Director – Head of Delegation), Ms. Nhu, Ms. Quynh (Procurement Department)