Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical fruit enjoyed worldwide for its distinctive sweet and sour taste and high nutritional value. In Vietnam, passion fruit is not only a familiar fruit but also an agricultural product with significant export potential.
1. Origin of passion fruit:
Passion fruit originated in South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It was introduced to Vietnam in the early 20th century and quickly adapted to the climate and soil conditions of many regions across the country.
2. Main Growing Regions in Vietnam:
Vietnam has several concentrated passion fruit growing regions known for their yield and quality, including:
- Central Highlands: Lam Dong (Don Duong, Di Linh, Duc Trong), Gia Lai, and Dak Lak are the largest passion fruit growing areas in the country, with cool climates and fertile basaltic soil ideal for the plant’s growth.
- Southeast Region: Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc also have significant passion fruit cultivation areas.
- Northern Mountainous Provinces: Son La, Hoa Binh, and Dien Bien are also developing passion fruit cultivation areas, especially for purple passion fruit varieties.
3. Nutritional Value:
Passion fruit is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, offering numerous health benefits:
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
- Vitamin A: Good for vision, skin, and the immune system.
- Fiber: Supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and is good for heart health.
- Iron: Involved in the process of blood formation.
- Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function.
- Antioxidant Compounds: Flavonoids and polyphenols help protect cells from damage.
Additionally, passion fruit contains various amino acids and other beneficial nutrients.
4. Export Market:
Vietnamese passion fruit is increasingly asserting its position in the international market. Key export markets include:
- Asia: China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan.
- Europe: Netherlands, France, Germany.
- Middle East: United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Vietnam has advantages in terms of production costs and harvest seasons that differ from some other countries, creating competitive opportunities in the international market. However, to enhance sustainable exports, it is crucial to focus on improving quality, ensuring food safety standards, and building brand recognition.
5. Products Made from Passion Fruit:
Passion fruit is not only consumed fresh but is also processed into a variety of value-added products:
- Passion Fruit Juice Concentrate: The most common product, used for making beverages, baking, and sauces.
- Passion Fruit Jam: A product enjoyed with bread and used as a filling for pastries.
- Passion Fruit Syrup: Used for making refreshing drinks.
- Passion Fruit Powder: Used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
- Passion Fruit Tea: A convenient and healthy beverage.
- Passion Fruit Ice Cream and Yogurt: Popular dessert products.
- Skincare Products: Extracts from passion fruit are used in some products for skin brightening and antioxidant properties.
6. Export Procedures for Passion Fruit:
To export passion fruit from Vietnam, businesses need to follow these procedures:
- Business Registration for Import-Export: Businesses must have a business license and register for an import-export code.
- Plant Quarantine: Fresh passion fruit needs to undergo plant quarantine to ensure it is free from pests and diseases and meets the import requirements of the destination country.
- Quality and Food Safety Certification: Depending on the requirements of the importing market, certifications such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and HACCP may be necessary.
- Customs Dossier: Prepare all necessary customs documents, including the customs declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, certificate of origin (C/O), and bill of lading or air waybill.
- Port Procedures: Complete the customs clearance procedures at the port of export.
- International Payment: Execute payment according to the terms agreed upon in the sales contract.
Important Note: Export procedures can change depending on the regulations of each period and the specific requirements of the importing country. Businesses should directly contact customs authorities and relevant agencies for detailed advice.
7. HS Code for Passion Fruit Export:
The HS (Harmonized System) code is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. The specific HS code for passion fruit may vary depending on the product form (fresh, processed, etc.). Here are some reference HS codes:
- 0810.90.90: Other fresh fruit (including fresh passion fruit).
- 2009.89.90: Juice of any other single fruit or vegetable (including passion fruit juice).
- 2007.99.90: Jams, fruit jellies, marmalades, fruit purée and fruit pastes, obtained by cooking, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter (including passion fruit jam).
Note: Businesses need to verify the exact HS code for their specific passion fruit product at the time of export to ensure accurate customs declaration.
Conclusion:
Vietnamese passion fruit is not only a delicious and nutritious fruit but also a promising agricultural product in the international market. With a stable supply, continuously improving quality, and a variety of processed products, Vietnamese passion fruit is poised for further growth and will contribute to the development of the country’s agricultural sector. Understanding the origin, growing regions, nutritional value, export market, products, and export procedures will help Vietnamese businesses maximize opportunities to bring their passion fruit to the global stage.
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