Vegetables in Vietnam 2026: Market Trends, Opportunities, Challenges, & Key Players

Vietnam’s vegetable market is a vital component of the country’s agricultural sector, supplying both domestic demand and export markets. 

Vegetables are grown across diverse climatic regions, from the Red River Delta to the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, enabling year-round production. 

Rising urbanisation and income growth are increasing consumer demand for fresh, safe, and high-quality produce, while export opportunities are expanding as Vietnam deepens trade links with regional and global partners.

Internationally, Vietnam exports a wide range of vegetables, including cabbage, onions, carrots, and leafy greens, primarily to neighbouring Asian markets, with China remaining the largest buyer. 

Efforts to diversify export destinations and meet stricter quality standards in markets such as Japan, South Korea, and the European Union are reshaping production practices. 

At the same time, the domestic market continues to expand, supported by changing dietary patterns, the rise of modern retail channels, and increasing demand for convenience foods.

Import volumes have grown in recent years as urban consumers seek greater diversity and higher-quality produce, often preferring imported goods for perceived safety and consistency. 

Hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in Vietnam’s larger cities are major buyers of imported vegetables, particularly those catering to international clientele or offering Western-style menus. 

This demand is reinforced by the rise of modern retail outlets, which dedicate significant shelf space to imported fresh produce alongside domestic options.

Vegetable in Vietnam in numbers

These data points provide a broad overview of the size of Vietnam’s vegetable market and its trajectory.

Vietnam’s vegetable market size

Vietnam’s vegetable market is valued at US$13.21 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.12 percent through 2030, according to Statista.

Average per capita revenue is estimated at US$130.06, with consumption expected to reach 87.8 kilograms per person in 2025. 

Market volume is forecast to reach 10.88 billion kilograms by 2030, including 5.5 percent growth in 2026, Statista says.

Vietnam’s fresh vegetable market size

Vietnam’s fresh vegetables market is valued at US$11.51 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.14 percent through 2030, according to Statista. 

Average per capita revenue is estimated at US$113.24, with consumption projected at 80.9 kilograms per person in 2025. 

Market volume is expected to reach 10.04 billion kilograms by 2030, including 5.6 percent growth in 2026, Statista says.

Vietnam’s vegetable seeds market

Vietnam’s vegetable seed market was valued at US$31.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$47.2 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual rate of 4.02 percent between 2025 and 2033, according to a report from IMARC.

Growth is supported by rising demand for vegetables and home gardening, the introduction of new seed varieties, favourable government agricultural policies, and a shift in consumer preferences toward diverse and exotic vegetables, the report says.

Vietnam vegetable imports

Source: Trade Map, accessed September 10, 2025; *uses partner data

Vietnam vegetable exports

Source: Trade Map, accessed September 10, 2025; *uses partner data

Vegetable prices in Vietnam

Vegetable prices in Vietnam range from VND 7,200 to 28,900 per kg (US$0.29–1.16), while fresh vegetables average VND 17,800 to 51,800 per kg (US$0.71–2.07). 

Market prices vary by type and season, with staples like tomatoes selling for about VND 50,000 per kg (US$1.97) and premium varieties reaching VND 80,000 (US$3.15). 

Leafy greens such as lettuce and water spinach typically cost VND 15,000–70,000 per kg (US$0.60–2.76). 

Specialty items like pumpkin buds and bitter gourd range between VND 35,000 and 80,000 (US$1.40–3.20). Prices fluctuate widely due to weather and supply conditions.

Challenges facing Vietnam’s Vegetable market 

There are a number of challenges facing Vietnam’s vegetable market. These include:

Fragmented production

Vietnam’s vegetable sector is dominated by millions of smallholder farmers cultivating less than a hectare each. 

This creates inconsistent quality, uneven adoption of technology, and weak supply chain integration. 

For foreign firms, sourcing at scale is difficult without working through cooperatives or contract farming schemes.

Food safety and compliance

Vietnamese produce is often flagged for pesticide residue, chemical contamination, and failure to meet sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements. 

Exporting to markets like the EU, US, and China exposes firms to risks of shipment rejection or reputational damage, requiring heavy investment in monitoring and certification.

See also: Food Safety Certification in Vietnam

Post-harvest and processing

Between 20 and 30 percent of vegetables are lost after harvest due to poor handling, limited cold storage, and underdeveloped processing. 

This undermines export competitiveness and reduces shelf life, pushing foreign firms to either build new facilities or absorb higher costs.

See also: Vietnam Food Processing Industry

Logistics and infrastructure

Transport networks, cold chains, and warehousing remain underdeveloped. 

Vegetables are highly perishable, so delays and inadequate temperature control result in waste and added expense. 

High logistics costs make Vietnamese vegetables less competitive compared with regional suppliers.

See also: Logistics in Vietnam

Regulatory complexity

Import-export rules, labelling requirements, and quarantine procedures vary not only across markets but also within Vietnam’s shifting policy environment. 

Frequent changes create uncertainty for firms and necessitate constant compliance management.

Seed and biosecurity barriers

Foreign firms supplying seeds face strict biosecurity checks and restrictions. 

At the same time, climate stress—such as high heat, flooding, and pests—complicates greenhouse or high-tech farming, raising operational costs and slowing the adoption of new varieties.

Climate pressures

Rising temperatures, saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta, and extreme weather events affect both yields and planting cycles. 

Environmental degradation, including polluted waterways and soil depletion, also reduces productivity. 

These pressures require foreign investors to factor in climate resilience when entering the market.

Bureaucracy and governance

Cumbersome licensing procedures, overlapping jurisdiction among ministries, and corruption risks pose hurdles for foreign firms. 

Legal uncertainty and slow dispute resolution further increase the cost and time of doing business in Vietnam’s vegetable industry.

Opportunities in Vietnam’s Vegetable market

There are broad opportunities in Vietnam’s vegetable market. These include:

EU market access

The EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has reduced tariffs, opening the door for competitive entry into Europe. 

In early 2025, exports to the EU grew by over 30 percent year-on-year, showing strong demand. 

European buyers place high value on food safety and traceability, which presents opportunities for foreign firms offering compliance expertise and certification systems.

See also: Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements

Market diversification

While China remains Vietnam’s top buyer, growth in other destinations is accelerating. 

Exports to the US rose by more than 60 percent in early 2025, alongside gains in Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia. 

Foreign firms can tap these markets by investing in processing and logistics tailored to their standards, reducing reliance on China.

Processing and cold chain investment

Vietnam loses a significant amount of vegetable output post-harvest due to poor storage and handling.

Investment in cold chains, modern packaging, and processing facilities can reduce waste, extend shelf life, and raise export competitiveness. 

Foreign companies with technology in refrigeration, modified-atmosphere packaging, or food processing stand to benefit.

AgriTech adoption

Domestic production still relies heavily on manual labour and fragmented practices. 

There is rising demand for precision farming tools, data-driven crop monitoring, automated irrigation, and sustainable pest management. 

Foreign firms providing AgriTech solutions can help producers meet global SPS standards while improving efficiency and yields.

See also: ICT Industry in Vietnam

Government incentives

Vietnam offers supportive policies for agriculture, including reduced corporate tax rates, preferential land leasing, and incentives in special economic zones. 

The government has prioritised sustainable, high-tech farming, making foreign investors eligible for favourable treatment if projects align with these goals.

High-value crop production

Vietnam’s diverse climate allows the cultivation of both tropical crops (such as gourds, bitter melon, and water spinach) and temperate vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and lettuce). 

This enables year-round supply for export to high-value markets like Europe and North America, where demand for exotic and diverse vegetables is expanding.

Partnership models

Foreign entry is often most effective through collaboration with local firms. 

Joint ventures and contract farming arrangements help secure a stable supply while ensuring compliance with local regulations. 

Public–private partnerships in processing and logistics infrastructure are also encouraged by the government, providing another route for market entry.

See also: How to Start a Business in Vietnam

Key vegetable companies in Vietnam

There are a number of key players in Vietnam’s Vegetable market.

These include:

DONG HA Import Export Co., Ltd

Vietnam-based importer of fresh vegetables, with strong sourcing links to Chinese suppliers.

Handles bulk commodities such as broccoli and other common vegetables for domestic distribution.

Biovegi Vietnam JSC

A leading importer and distributor of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seeds.

Supplies premium imported vegetables to modern retail chains, hotels, and restaurants.

Vegetexco Ho Chi Minh City (Fruit Vegetable Export Import JSC)

State-linked enterprise involved in both importing and exporting vegetables.

Longstanding role in Vietnam’s vegetable trade network.

G.C Food

Processor specialising in aloe vera and coconut jelly products. 

Reported revenues of US$7.2 million in Q3 2024 (+31% YoY) and net profit of US$958,000 (+84%).

Preparing for an IPO to fund expanded processing capacity.

Sa Ky Foods Corporation

Vietnamese food processor with growing export ambitions.

Has attracted investment interest from Japanese, Korean, and US partners, considering sale of up to 51% equity for strategic partnerships.

Thabico Tien Giang Food Industry JSC

Processor in Dong Thap Province using Dutch and Italian technology for IQF freezing, vacuum sealing, and concentrated vegetable products.

Part of a broader regional cluster of over 25 processors.

Lavifood

Major processor and exporter with plans to build 10 modern plants over a decade.

Operates contract farming schemes across 33,000 hectares in Tay Ninh Province, ensuring stable raw material supplies.

Popular vegetable products in Vietnam

There are a range of popular vegetable products available in Vietnam.

These include:

Leafy greens

Water spinach (rau muong), morning glory, mustard greens, lettuce, and spinach are everyday staples, widely used in soups, stir-fries, and hotpot.

Cabbage family

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and bok choy are common in both traditional dishes and modern meals.

Root vegetables

Carrots, radishes, sweet potatoes, taro, and cassava are widely grown and consumed, featuring in soups, stews, and street food.

Fruit vegetables

Tomatoes, cucumbers, gourds, pumpkins, bitter melon, and eggplant are essential to daily cooking and local diets.

Aromatic vegetables

Onions, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger are key flavour bases for Vietnamese cuisine.

Beans and legumes

Long beans, yardlong beans, and green beans are popular in stir-fries, curries, and salads.

Specialty and exotic vegetables

Lotus root, bamboo shoots, pennywort, and herbs like perilla and coriander add distinctive flavours to regional dishes.

FAQ: Vegetables in Vietnam

These are some of the most common questions about vegetables in Vietnam.

Who are the major players in Vietnam’s vegetable industry?

Key exporters include The Fruit Republic, Olam Vietnam, Van Gia, Van Xuan, and Global Green Co.

Major seed and input suppliers are VINASEED, Southern Seed JSC, Bayer, Syngenta, and Enza Zaden. Processors like Lavifood, G.C Food, and Sa Ky Foods are also expanding.

Where does Vietnam import its vegetables from?

Vietnam imports vegetables mainly from China, alongside smaller volumes from Thailand, Malaysia, and other regional suppliers.

Importers include DONG HA Import Export, Tuan Dũng, and Biovegi Vietnam JSC.

What vegetable products are most popular in Vietnam?

Staple products include leafy greens (water spinach, lettuce), fruit and vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, gourds, bitter melon), cabbage family crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), and root vegetables (carrots, radish, sweet potatoes).

Aromatics like garlic, onion, and shallots are essential.

What are the challenges and opportunities in Vietnam’s vegetable market?

Challenges include fragmented smallholder production, weak traceability, post-harvest losses, climate risks, and shifting regulatory demands.

Opportunities lie in export expansion to the EU, US, and Asia, investment in cold chains and processing, AgriTech adoption, government incentives, and production of high-value crops for premium markets.

Outlook for Vietnam’s vegetable market

Vietnam’s vegetable market is set for steady growth moving forward.

Domestic demand is supported by urbanisation, rising health awareness, and interest in fresh and organic produce, while exports to Asia and Europe continue to expand under trade agreements. 

Production is projected to increase despite climate pressures, helped by the adoption of AgriTech and improved logistics.

Risks include slower GDP growth from tariffs and global trade headwinds, as well as long-term climate change impacts. 

Overall, the outlook is positive but depends on resilience and continued investment in technology and supply chains.

That said, Southeast Asian economies can be dynamic and change quickly.

With this in mind, the best way to keep up to date with the changing business environment is to make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.

First published September 11, 2025. Last updated February 16, 2026.