Việt Nam's ST25 rice. — VNA/VNS Photo

SÓC TRĂNG — The OCOP (One Commune One Product) Council of Sóc Trăng Province recently awarded the highest 5-star rating to ST25 fragrant rice from Trần Đề District, further solidifying its reputation as a top-quality local product.

In line with the OCOP Programme, Sóc Trăng has promoted its signature products, enhanced product branding and facilitated trade promotion. The province organises exhibitions and trade fairs to introduce local specialities and has formed local councils to assess and categorise OCOP products.

In addition to ST25 rice receiving a 5-star rating, several products earned 4-star ratings, including canned baby corn, lotus seeds in rock sugar, canned pineapples and mushrooms and Hải Sơn durian-filled mooncakes (from Châu Thành District).

Other 4-star products from Vĩnh Châu Township included pandan-flavoured ready-to-eat bird’s nest, cordyceps-flavoured bird’s nest, Quốc Tín bird’s nest and high-grade instant bird’s nest. Another product was recommended for a 3-star rating assessment at the local level.

Since launching the OCOP Programme in 2018, Sóc Trăng has awarded OCOP stars to 238 products, including one 5-star, 18 four-star and 219 three-star products, developed by 135 companies, cooperatives and businesses. The number of OCOP products has already exceeded 118 per cent of the province's original targets.

Sóc Trăng’s famous bánh pía has also earned 3 and 4-star OCOP ratings. Hải Sơn Food Processing Ltd, a well-known cake producer in Hồ Đắc Kiện Commune, Châu Thành District, has had eight products awarded OCOP stars, including seven 4-star and one 3-star rating.

According to Hải Sơn, the company has invested in modernising production facilities while maintaining the traditional taste of bánh pía with safe, hygienic ingredients, resulting in a 5-10 per cent increase in domestic supply. Many local producers are also enhancing product quality and design to cater to diverse domestic and international markets, aiming to elevate existing products to higher OCOP ratings.

Vice Chairman of the Sóc Trăng People’s Committee, Vương Quốc Nam, highlighted the importance of improving the value of local products. He urged OCOP businesses to invest in raw materials, packaging and quality enhancement to boost market competitiveness.

Government agencies are encouraged to support local OCOP products by helping standardise unique offerings, promoting trade and expanding market access. Efforts will continue to broaden the reach of Sóc Trăng’s OCOP products within Việt Nam and to international markets. — VNS