Enterprises Ramp Up Production to Meet Tet Demand

(DTO) Local craft villages, production facilities, and enterprises are ramping up production to supply the Lunar New Year market.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, the Tan Phuoc rice paper village in Lai Vung Commune and puffed rice cake producers in Hoa Long Commune are working nonstop to turn out batches of rice paper and puffed rice treats for the holiday season.

The Tan Phuoc rice paper craft village has existed for a long time. In the past, local residents mainly made rice paper for household use or as gifts during festivals, Lunar New Year holidays, and family gatherings.

As rice paper gradually gained popularity, the area slowly developed into a full-fledged craft village, providing a primary source of income for many households.

These days, visitors to the village can easily sense the urgency, with production facility owners and workers bustling through the steps of spreading, drying, and collecting rice paper.

A longtime producer, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hien from Tan My Hamlet, Lai Vung Commune, shared: “Close to the Lunar New Year, orders increase sharply, so our facility is speeding up to keep up with demand. 

We start preparing for production at 3-4 a.m. every day. 

By 5-6 a.m., we begin spreading the batter, drying the rice sheets, and collecting the finished products, and finish the day around 11 p.m. As the Lunar New Year approaches, we supply about 2,000-3,000 pieces of sweet rice paper per day, double the usual number. This year, although input material prices have risen, rice paper prices remain stable.”

At Thanh Thanh Thuy 2 Puffed Rice Production Facility in Long Hoi Hamlet, Hoa Long Commune, production begins early each morning. This facility is especially lively with the constant popping sounds of rice and its distinct aroma.

Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Ha, owner of the facility, shared: “Our family proactively prepared all necessary ingredients for Lunar New Year production more than two months ago. Currently, output is 30% higher than on regular days. 

Compared to last year, sales are even better. Each year, we need to develop new products to attract consumers. These days, we’ve hired extra workers and extended shifts until 8-9 p.m. to ensure enough supply for distributors in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.”

Meanwhile, at the Hau Thanh rice paper village in Hoi Cu Commune, households are also working at full speed. Truong Van Duc’s family in Hau Thuan Hamlet is one of the village’s longtime producers.

According to Mr Duc, the facility has entered peak Lunar New Year production. On average, they produce about 50 kilograms of rice paper per day, double the usual amount. As the Lunar New Year gets closer, demand surges, so output will continue to rise.

Alongside the craft villages, many household businesses and enterprises across the province are also entering peak Lunar New Year production.

A Thach, a household business in My Thanh Commune, specializes in producing items such as sausages and pork rolls. Among them, its sausage product has earned a 3-star OCOP certification.

Mr. Pham Van Thach, the owner, shared: “For about 10 days now, our facility has been ramping up production for the Lunar New Year market. Output has increased by roughly 80% compared to normal days. So far, orders look quite promising. In recent days, pork prices have risen, but we have kept the prices of sausages and pork rolls unchanged. Currently, we produce around 300-500 kilograms of these products per day. In about half a month, production is expected to reach its peak.”

In the past few days, Ut Le Tram Pickled Vegetables Facility in An Huu Commune has also been accelerating Lunar New Year production.

It supplies pickled vegetables to many provinces and cities nationwide. In addition to wholesale distribution, it has also developed its own branded packaged products to expand market reach.

Ms. Ngoc Tram, owner of the Ut Le Tram Pickled Vegetables, shared: “At this time, our production volume has doubled compared to normal because orders have increased significantly.”

The Anh Qui Confectionery Facility in My Tho Ward is also focusing on production to supply the Lunar New Year market.

The facility manufactures a variety of cookies, candies, and preserved fruits under contract for export to the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Canada, and directly exports to the Czech Republic. It also supplies goods to various domestic partners and supermarkets, with many of its products recognized as OCOP-certified.

For the past three months, the facility has been in the Lunar New Year production season and is now in its final peak period. On average, it produces about 800 kilograms of sweets per day, with output rising to 1 ton at peak times. Workers have to work overtime to meet demand.

Ms. Cao Thi Anh Qui, owner of the facility, said that this Lunar New Year, sales to returning customers have dropped by about 30% compared to last year.

However, thanks to the brand’s established reputation and product quality, the facility has secured new partners. Overall, total sales remain roughly the same as last year. Among Lunar New Year items, preserved soursop and traditional coconut candy are performing exceptionally well.

By NAM PHONG - ANH THU
Translated by ANH DUC