The stage is being set for the exportation of Oregon blueberries to Vietnam in 2016. Amanda Welker, international trade manager with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, said the groundwork is being laid with importers and logistics companies pending final approval of the formal request for access.

Welker said Oregon’s new governor, Kate Brown, introduced herself to the Beaver State’s Asian partners during a recent trade mission, which took place Oct. 11-21. “Oregon has longstanding relationships in Asia, and Gov. Brown worked to reinforce those ties. The mission’s goals were to promote Oregon tourism, businesses and food products,” Welker said.Representatives from the public and private sectors recently concluded a successful trade mission to Japan, China and Vietnam. Members of the delegation are seen here against the backdrop of the Vietnamese Prime Minister House. They are: Lisa Hanson, deputy director, Oregon Department of Agriculture; Phil Keisling, director, Center of Public Service, Portland State University; Ted Osius, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam; Oregon Gov. Kate Brown; Curtis Robinhold, deputy director, Port of Portland; Amy Nguyen, president, Dragonberry Produce; and Frank Greco, president, Xzeres. (Photo courtesy of Dragonberry Produce)

The public and private sectors were well represented in the trade mission. Participants included representatives from companies and associations such as Bob’s Red Mill, Oregon Berry Packing, Dragonberry Produce, Oregon Blueberry Commission, DePaul Packaging, Winderlea Vineyards and Tillamook Cheese. The trade mission began in Tokyo, moving to Beijing and finishing in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“In recent years, blueberry production is in high-growth mode and projected to increase even more,” Welker told The Produce News. “That means we need to actively seek out new market opportunities.

“The Korean market was opened four years ago, and in just four years has grown to Oregon’s largest export market for fresh blueberries. The Oregon Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Oregon Blueberry Commission and National Highbush Blueberry Council, have requested formal access and are working through the protocol process.”

These groups have also partnered and participated in promotional activities, including the Vietnam Food & Hotel Show in April 2015, to start building relationships with potential importers and retailers. “The interest in blueberries at that show was astonishing, and the group is beginning planning for the show again in 2017,” Welker said. “The trade show runs every other year.”

The process to gain access has been moving along smoothly. “It seems, all we had to do was ask. The Vietnamese authorities have been great to work with and have moved very quickly on our official request,” Welker commented. “We’ve worked closely with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s APHIS in recent years to open up the fresh potato market there. Gov. Brown had the opportunity to thank the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development personally for their time and attention to a speedy process.”

Gov. Brown participated in a cooking demonstration for television and social media with renowned Vietnamese Chef Dieu Thao. “She cooked recipes using Oregon pears and potatoes. Next time, we hope to include blueberries,” Welker commented. “We may be shipping Christmas trees to Vietnam this year. It’s short notice for this season, so we’re working to see what we can do. But the demand is there.”

Store sampling of unique Oregon apples, including the Green Dragon and Hidden Rose varieties, was conducted at the Fivimart chain. “The Fivimart chain is owned by Japanese retail giant, AEON,” Welker said. “This retail chain and their interest in importing more U.S. produce to Vietnam is growing rapidly.”