With just around 20 days remaining until the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, the traditional Tet gift market in Quang Ngai province is undergoing a noticeable transformation since once dominated by confectionery and imported sweets, Tet gift baskets are now increasingly filled with locally produced OCOP (One Commune, One Product) items, reflecting changing consumer tastes and values.

Many OCOP gift baskets now combine nutritious food items and handcrafted products.

A visit to major supermarkets such as Go!, Co.opmart and WinMart, as well as spring markets across the central province, shows that OCOP product stalls are attracting the most attention.

A few years ago, local specialties were often regarded as “rural gifts” with simple and basic packaging. Today, however, their appearance has been significantly upgraded, helping them secure a firm foothold in the premium gift segment.

Products such as cordyceps, sesame cakes and Ngoc Linh ginseng tea are now presented in sleek, modern designs. Many producers have invested in high-end packaging materials, including carved wooden boxes, eco-friendly paper bags, and handcrafted bamboo and rattan baskets.

These choices not only enhance commercial value but also highlight traditional craftsmanship and local cultural identity.

Truong Quang Ninh, Director of the Ninh Truong Medicinal Mushroom Co., Ltd. in Tho Phong commune, said his company’s cordyceps has achieved a four-star OCOP rating.

“To access the high-end gift market, quality alone is not enough. Presentation is equally important,” he said. This year, the firm introduced gift sets featuring images of local landscapes, helping orders from corporate clients double compared to last year.

The growing popularity of OCOP products during Tet is largely driven by consumer trust. In a market where food quality can vary widely, OCOP certification – ranging from three to five stars – serves as a reliable guarantee. Products must meet strict criteria covering raw materials, production processes and food safety standards.

Digital technology has further strengthened this trust. Nearly all OCOP products in Quang Ngai now carry QR codes, allowing consumers to trace product origins, production dates and certification details with a simple smartphone scan.

According to Bach Thanh Phu, owner of the Oly Food brown rice production facility in Truong Giang commune, greater transparency has helped small producers gain access to supermarkets and e-commerce platforms with more confidence.

Consumers have also welcomed the shift. Thoi Thi Hue, a resident of Truong Quang Trong ward, said she chose a basket of local specialties instead of imported sweets.

“The products suit my taste, and I feel reassured by the OCOP labels and traceability. Giving these gifts to relatives far away makes me proud of our local produce,” she said.

Beyond taste and appearance, sustainability has also emerged as a trend. Many OCOP gift baskets combine nutritious foods with handicrafts, while the use of bamboo and rattan packaging instead of plastic reflects growing environmental awareness and adds a warm, traditional touch to Tet.

Despite these positive signs, experts note that retaining market share and expanding further remains a challenge. Maintaining consistent quality and ensuring sufficient supply, especially during peak seasons such as Tet, are among the key issues.

Vo Quoc Hung, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said authorities will continue to support producers in linking supply and demand and accessing modern distribution channels. He stressed that quality must be maintained after certification, warning against prioritising quantity over standard adherence.

An OCOP Tet gift basket today is more than a seasonal present. It embodies the dedication of farmers, the identity of Quang Ngai’s local produce, and a modern consumer mindset that values authenticity, sustainability and Vietnamese cultural pride.

Bac Ninh has over 770 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher

The northern province of Bac Ninh plans to intensify efforts to support the development of intellectual property for key products, especially OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, in order to increase the value of local agricultural and handicraft products by 2030.

 

Bac Ninh owns 668 OCOP products as of October 2025

BAC NINH- Bac Ninh has gained outstanding results in implementing the “One commune one product” (OCOP) programme since 2018. According to the Sub-department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development under the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province has 668 OCOP products rated at least 3 stars as of October 2025.

Bac Ninh’s efforts to bring OCOP products farther

BAC NINH- With many practical support policies, the “One commune one product” (OCOP) programme has become a “platform” to help Bac Ninh’s local products reach farther and affirm their trademark in domestic and international markets.

Bac Ninh promotes OCOP products as tourism “ambassadors”

BAC NINH - Bac Ninh, a land renowned for its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage, has increasingly left lasting impressions on visitors through products rich in local identity. In recent years, the province has focused on developing the “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) programme, turning distinctive specialties into symbolic “ambassadors” to promote tourism and attract travelers.

Bac Ninh pushes OCOP products into modern retail channels

BAC NINH – The northern province of Bac Ninh has nearly 800 products from local businesses, cooperatives and production facilities certified under its provincial-level One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme. But only a modest portion has found its way into modern retail channels, prompting calls for producers and authorities to remove barriers and expand market reach.

Thousands of OCOP certified products displayed at VIET NAM OCOPEX 2025

The OCOP Export Fair (VIET NAM OCOPEX 2025) features 300 booths representing more than 200 exhibitors and displays thousands of OCOP certified products from 34 provinces and cities across the country.