Nguyễn Thụy Thúy Vy in the medicinal herb field of the Mỹ An Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperative. — VNA/VNS Photo

GIA LAI — From a small home-based business to a thriving cooperative, a young woman in Gia Lai has inspired her community by transforming local herbs into popular and trusted health products.

In recent years, products such as medicated oils, peppermint, cajeput and cinnamon essential oils, and herbal balms have become popular gifts among local residents and visitors alike. 

These products are made by the Mỹ An Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperative, founded by Nguyễn Thụy Thúy Vy, who was born in 1992 in Phù Mỹ Đông Commune, Gia Lai Province.

Building a reputable brand was not an easy task. Vy’s success came through determination and the close support of her family members. 

Before establishing the cooperative, she ran a small online business from home. During that time, she noticed strong demand for herbal and essential oil products both locally and in neighbouring provinces, while her hometown had abundant medicinal plant resources that were yet to be fully utilised.

With encouragement from her husband and family, Vy decided to invest in small-scale essential oil production at home. 

To expand production and create more income opportunities, she mobilised local women to contribute capital and jointly set up the Mỹ An Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperative in July 2024. 

The cooperative began with seven members and a total investment of over VNĐ300 million (US$11,700), focusing on producing various essential oils such as medicated, peppermint, cajeput, and cinnamon oils.

With the initial funding, the cooperative purchased an essential oil distillation machine, packaging materials, and bottles. 

After just over a year of operation, it now boasts a modern production system with two distillers, one packaging machine, a drying unit, and a workshop area. 

To ensure a stable supply of high-quality raw materials, besides its own one-hectare peppermint farm, the cooperative has signed contracts with several local households to cultivate medicinal plants under strict organic standards. 

These households receive full support from the cooperative, including seedlings, technical training, and financial assistance for planting.

Vy shared that the cooperative’s top priority is the health, safety, and satisfaction of its consumers. 

All products are made in compliance with State regulations and production standards, using 100 per cent organic raw materials. No chemicals are used in processing or preservation.

Although only established in July 2024, the cooperative now produces and supplies around 10,000 bottles of essential oils per month (ranging from 3ml–100ml), generating a turnover of about VNĐ500 million monthly, with profits of roughly 25 per cent or about VNĐ125 million after expenses.

Vy with the herbal products of the Mỹ An Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperative. — VNA/VNS Photo

According to Trần Minh Thông, chairman of the Phù Mỹ Đông Commune People’s Committee, the Mỹ An Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperative, initiated by Vy, has become a model example of how local potential and strengths can be harnessed for sustainable economic development.

With its current infrastructure, the cooperative consumes about three tonnes of cinnamon, five tonnes of cajeput leaves, and 10 tonnes of peppermint annually. 

Looking ahead, if supported by local authorities and the Women’s Union with access to preferential credit, the cooperative plans to invest further in production expansion, adding another filling machine, distillation unit, and packaging machine.

Local residents describe Vy as a kind and community-minded person. Whenever neighbours or members’ families face illness or hardship, she and cooperative members are quick to visit and offer help. 

The cooperative also actively participates in community movements such as building new-style rural areas, supporting low-income families during Tết (Lunar New Year), and assisting disadvantaged students to stay in school. — VNS