HÀ NỘI — Litchi fruit lovers can enjoy Lục Ngạn litchi at the ‘2018 Lục Ngạn – Bắc Giang Litchi Week’ which began at Big C Thăng Long Supermarket today in Hà Nội.

This is the third year Big C has hosted this event, which will run until June 20.

It is part of activities to promote the consumption of Bắc Giang Province’s Lục Ngạn District litchi, which is famous for its sweet taste, thick flesh and tiny seeds.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hoàng Anh Tuấn, deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Domestic Market Department, said the litchi week was a useful activity to promote the brand of high-quality Lục Ngạn litchi, which is grown according to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, to Hà Nội consumers.

Tuấn said litchi is present in most provinces and cities nationwide. The promotion activities have been fostered and helped avoid pricing pressure from domestic and foreign traders, thereby improving the value of litchi and income of farmers.

According to Trần Quang Tấn, director of the Bắc Giang Industry and Trade Department, this year’s event was hosted earlier than two years ago as it aimed to connect with businesses to sign consumption contracts in both domestic and foreign markets.

Litchi is planted in a total area of 15,200 hectares in Lục Ngạn District with annual yeild of about 100,000 tonnes, with the production area in line with VietGAP criteria reaching 11,400 hectares.

‘Lục Ngạn litchi’ has been registered with the Trademark and Geographical Indication in seven countries and exported to 30 countries, including China, the US, Australia, Britain, France and Thailand.

Big C Vietnam said the first shipment of Lục Ngạn litchi this year will be exported to Thailand by Central Group Vietnam and Big C Vietnam with the amount three times higher than in 2017.

To promote this event, Big C Thăng Long will showcase the fruit together with other attractive promotions. Eight kind of food and drinks processed from litchi will also be introduced to customers during the event. — VNS