Vietnam's Beekeeping Industry Focuses on Brand Building for Higher Value Products

Vietnam's beekeeping industry is developing as an important sector, leveraging its diverse ecosystem and abundant nectar sources. This industry contributes to improving livelihoods in rural areas, increasing production value, and boosting exports. Notably, in Xuan Thuy National Park in Ninh Binh province, beekeeping utilizing mangrove forest (sú, vẹt) nectar sources is contributing to the livelihood improvement of local residents. Honey harvested in this unique environment possesses a distinct flavor and high quality, reflecting the region's identity. Since 2016, the number of bee colonies in the area has increased from 4,000 to over 9,000, with an estimated annual honey production of 200-300 tons. In 2025, with support from the National Agricultural Extension Center, a branding model involving 12 households will be implemented, aiming for an average yield of 38 kg/colony/year, a 26.67% increase compared to traditional beekeeping. This initiative will create jobs and increase income for residents, transitioning them from small-scale, scattered production to standardized, traceable production. Quang Ninh province is also suitable for ecological beekeeping, supported by over 80,000 hectares of protective and mangrove forests. In 2026, a beekeeping model linked to forest protection will be introduced to enhance residents' income. An estimated 100 bee colonies can produce about 1.8 tons of honey annually, sold at VND 250,000-350,000 per kilogram, generating VND 450-630 billion annually. Furthermore, utilizing by-products such as queen bees, pollen, beeswax, and propolis can increase economic value by 15-25%. Currently, Vietnam has approximately 1.3-1.4 million bee colonies managed by over 35,000 beekeepers, with an annual output ranging from 50,000 to 60,000 tons. Beekeeping is concentrated mainly in the Southeast, Central Highlands, Northern mountainous regions, and the Northern coastal areas. However, Nguyen Thi Hai, Head of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Extension Department at the National Agricultural Extension Center, points out challenges such as most production being at the household level and limited participation in cooperatives and supply chains. Efforts to enhance product value through branding are insufficient, and cooperation between beekeepers, cooperatives, and businesses lacks sustainability. The diversification of honey products and deeper processing also needs improvement. Ta Thi Huong Giang, a representative from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, suggests expanding and innovating production chains, transitioning from single-box to multi-box beekeeping techniques to improve yield and quality, and investing in deep processing and product diversification to increase added value. Additionally, establishing centralized and industrialized honey collection and processing systems in coordination with commercial beekeeping regions is necessary. The urgent task of building and promoting regional honey brands is also crucial to meet growing domestic and international market demands.