From heritage to value: Elevating a homeland specialty

Cau Ke jelly coconut has long been regarded as the “treasure” of Tra Vinh’s Cau Ke district (now part of Vinh Long province). With its rich, creamy texture and unique chewiness, this fruit is deeply embedded in the culinary culture and collective memory of the Mekong Delta people. Yet for many years, its economic potential remained underutilized, farmers struggled to secure stable markets, and many young people were compelled to leave their hometown in search of livelihoods. The turning point came in July 2020 with the establishment of the Cau Ke Jelly Coconut Processing Co., Ltd. (Vicosap). Born out of a profound attachment to the homeland, this young enterprise embraced a dual mission, to safeguard the authenticity of the local specialty while simultaneously unlocking its economic value.

“From the outset, we were determined that our mission was not only to preserve but also to elevate. Jelly coconut is more than an agricultural product; it is a cultural identity. Every step forward, therefore, must be both prudent and enduring,” shared Lam Ngoc Tu, Deputy Director of Vicosap.

Following this approach, Vicosap has persistently maintained the standard Cau Ke cultivation zone, where unique soil and climatic conditions yield the finest coconuts. Meanwhile, the company has invested boldly in modern processing lines, from candy-making machines and automated packaging to advanced preservation technology, enhancing productivity and stabilizing quality.

The company’s products, including pure jelly coconut candy, cocoa-flavored candy, pandan-flavored candy, and shredded jelly coconut, have achieved the prestigious national five-star OCOP certification, gaining acceptance in both domestic and international markets. Packaging has also been redesigned to combine modern convenience with rustic reminders of the Mekong Delta.

“As producers, our aspiration is for every candy and every shred of jelly coconut that reaches consumers to meet food safety standards while still retaining the soul of the homeland,” emphasized Lam Ngoc Tu.

These innovations have helped Cau Ke jelly coconut transcend its local identity to enter the premium product segment, paving the way for exports to demanding markets.

Cau Ke jelly coconut drives growth and lifts communities out of poverty

In 2025, the National Voting for Outstanding Rural Industrial Products attracted nearly 400 entries, more than two-thirds of which were processed agricultural, forestry and fishery products. Against this backdrop of intense competition, the recognition of Cau Ke jelly coconut products underscored their competitiveness and unique value.

“The national recognition in 2025 is not only a reward for our company’s efforts but also a source of pride for the people of the ‘capital of jelly coconut’. It is clear evidence that our homeland’s specialty can truly attain both national and international stature,” remarked Lam Ngoc Tu.

Such recognition enhances brand credibility, while also creating broader opportunities for trade promotion and distribution, thereby generating jobs and raising incomes for local residents. Currently, traditional jelly coconut cultivation yields an average income of VND 320 million per hectare per year, while embryo-cultivated jelly coconuts bring in up to VND 770 million per hectare annually. For many families, the crop has become a lifeline out of poverty.

Behind this success lies Vinh Long’s commitment to building a sustainable raw material base. The province currently boasts over 119,000 hectares of coconut, the largest area nationwide, including 1,361 hectares dedicated to jelly coconut with an annual output of about 3.5 million fruits.

With the support of the Institute of Agricultural Genetics, embryo and tissue culture techniques have been applied, raising the success rate of jelly coconuts from 20-25% to over 85%, an important leap that increases yields while reducing reliance on traditional low-rate varieties.

Beyond cultivation, Vicosap has pursued a three-pillar strategy: developing a closed value chain, strengthening exports, and embracing digital transformation in production management and e-commerce. Each product is not only traceable by QR code but also carries the cultural narrative of its origin.

“We do not only aim to sell a product; we aim to tell the cultural story of our homeland. That is the path for Cau Ke jelly coconut to become a true brand with a firm foothold,” affirmed Lam Ngoc Tu.

Thanks to decisive support from local authorities and the joint efforts of enterprises and farmers, Cau Ke jelly coconut is gradually being positioned as a flagship agricultural product of Vinh Long. The National Office of Intellectual Property has granted it geographical indication certification, thereby safeguarding its value and creating a competitive edge.

Vinh Long is finalizing a development plan for the coconut sector through 2030, with a vision to 2050, focusing on expanding jelly coconut cultivation to 5,000 hectares, establishing deep-processing plants, and linking production with eco-tourism.

In the context of deeper international integration, Cau Ke jelly coconut is not only an economic asset but also a cultural symbol and a source of pride for the Mekong Delta. Once a rare fruit, through creativity and perseverance it has been transformed into a high-value commercial product, contributing to elevating Vietnamese agriculture on the global stage.

Vicosap’s products including pandan-flavored jelly coconut candy, pure jelly coconut candy, cocoa-flavored jelly coconut candy, and shredded jelly coconut rank among eight items recognized as Outstanding Rural Industrial Products at the national level in 2025 by Vinh Long province. Leveraging advanced processing technology, the company preserves traditional flavors while boosting productivity and increasing product value.