HCM CITY — Agricultural SME Maca Đại Việt has surprised the industry by securing a “double win” in green and digital transformation, demonstrating that the twin transition is no longer the exclusive domain of major corporations but is entirely attainable for smaller and more agile businesses.

Agricultural SME Maca Đại Việt receives the 2025 Top 100 Sustainable Businesses Award in Việt Nam. — Photo Courtesy of the company

Under the national sustainable macadamia development scheme for 2021-30 period, with a vision to 2050, Việt Nam plans to expand cultivation to up to 150,000ha by 2030 and 250,000ha by 2050, while building a deep-processing and export-oriented value chain.

However, the Việt Nam Macadamia Association said that in 2024 the country exported only 500-600 tonnes of kernels but imported up to 4,000 tonnes of raw nuts, underscoring strong demand and the limited competitiveness of local products.

The gap also represents significant opportunities for enterprises investing in quality, sustainability and advanced processing, experts said.

A standout pioneer among SMEs

Despite operating in a fragmented sector with weak value-chain linkages, Maca Đại Việt has become a representative model of successful twin transition.

The company won the “Twin Transition Challenge” organised by GIZ and APED on October 23, 2025.

On December 5, it was named among Việt Nam’s Top 100 Sustainable Businesses 2025 by VCCI and VBCSD—one of the few SMEs honoured alongside major corporations.

According to the organisers, the company stood out by choosing a long-term, sustainability-first path, accepting lower short-term profits to invest in responsible sourcing, transparent operations, and technology-driven management systems.

This strategy has helped the company expand into demanding markets such as the US, South Korea, Japan, and Europe.

The company has also introduced an organic product line featuring distinctive flavours from local ingredients and built a green value chain involving more than 1,000 farming households.

A “dedicated in every step” approach

Driven by its “Dedicated in every step” principle, Maca Đại Việt has standardised raw material areas, supported farmers with better techniques, digitised production, and upgraded packaging and customer experience.

A company representative said: “We deeply value the origins of Việt Nam’s macadamia. Our mission is to promote quality, creativity, and responsibility, and bring the best Vietnamese macadamia products to global consumers.”

Like many SMEs pursuing green and digital transformation, the company has faced challenges in finance, human resources, and operations.

By preparing its transition plan early and moving steadily, it has implemented practical changes—from developing an in-house ERP system to reducing energy use and minimising waste—to strengthen long-term resilience.

Farmers at the centre of the value chain

Behind its business strategy is a young team originating from macadamia-growing regions. Understanding the instability local farmers face, Maca Đại Việt has prioritised improving growers’ livelihoods—many of whom are their own relatives and neighbours.

As the company reaches higher-value global markets, farmers gain more stable incomes and increasingly adopt modern, sustainable farming practices aligned with its model.

The company’s story reflects Việt Nam’s shift from raw-material agriculture to value-added and sustainability-driven production.

What distinguishes the company is its decision to start early, build solid foundations, and commit to sustainable growth rather than waiting to scale first.

Experts say this gradual but disciplined approach offers a realistic blueprint for Vietnamese SMEs: begin within one’s capacity, invest in systems that ensure long-term competitiveness, and avoid rapid expansion without structural readiness.

At a time when the Government is promoting green growth, the circular economy, and digital transformation, Maca Đại Việt stands out as an encouraging model for young agricultural businesses pursuing a future-oriented path.

The company's journey shows that when small enterprises commit to innovation and sustainability, they can create meaningful impact and help reshape Việt Nam’s macadamia industry.