VIETNAM’S PASSION FRUIT EXPORTS HIT RECORD HIGH OF OVER US$202 MILLION

The Central Highlands is currently Vietnam’s main passion fruit growing hub - PHOTO: VGP

HCMC – Vietnam’s passion fruit exports have surged to a record level, exceeding US$202 million, marking a sharp rise for a crop that was once marginal in the country’s agricultural portfolio.

According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s passion fruit exports have expanded more than tenfold over the past decade, climbing from around US$20 million to US$222.5 million. By October this year, export turnover had already surpassed US$202 million, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The Central Highlands has emerged as the country’s main production hub, accounting for 86.4% of planted area and 92.5% of output. Northern provinces make up about 12.5% of total acreage. Authorities have approved 43 passion fruit varieties to support rising production and export demand.

Officials said passion fruit benefits from favorable terrain, soil and climate conditions in Vietnam. In the Central Highlands and several other regions, the crop has a short growing cycle of four to five months and delivers high yields. Market demand remains strong, with processed products and fresh fruit accounting for more than 80% of consumption.

However, the sector faces challenges. These include limited availability of disease-free seedlings, fragmented small-scale production, and incomplete adoption of advanced farming practices. Weak supply chain linkages, underdeveloped storage and deep-processing capacity, and unstable output also pose risks, as international quarantine and technical requirements become stricter.

Under the national plan for developing key fruit crops for 2025–2030, passion fruit is targeted as a sustainable export-oriented commodity. The plan aims to maintain 12,000–15,000 hectares of cultivation, with output of 250,000–300,000 tons. Key growing areas include Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Quang Tri, Nghe An and Son La.

To meet these targets, local authorities are urged to review planting areas, develop concentrated production zones linked with infrastructure and processing, and curb unplanned expansion. The plan also calls for stronger cooperation between farmers, cooperatives and enterprises, contract farming, compliance with safety standards, and improved traceability.

Removing quarantine barriers and expanding market access will be critical to strengthening the global position of Vietnamese passion fruit, officials said.

Source: The Saigon Times