A strategic “springboard” for market expansion

The Vietnam International Food Industry Exhibition 2025 (Vietnam Foodexpo 2025), held from November 12-15 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, officially came to a close.

The event featured over 500 booths from nearly 400 enterprises representing more than 20 Vietnamese provinces and cities, as well as 20 foreign countries and territories, including the Republic of Korea, Japan, Russia, Turkey, Finland, Poland, Sweden, India, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, China, Taiwan (China), Canada, and Cambodia.

Kwak Beomsin, CEO of Gosirock (the Republic of Korea), shared that the company successfully connected with potential B2B partners during the exhibition, including both Korean and Vietnamese enterprises interested in collaboration. Introducing its proven subscription-based meal box service model from the Republic of Korea, Kwak described Vietnam Foodexpo 2025 as a “golden opportunity” and a strategic first step for expanding into the Vietnamese market.

“We have expanded cooperation with K-restaurant chains, local eateries, and logistics partners. We’ve already identified restaurant partners in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby areas,” he noted.

Similarly, Jeong Yi Seo, CEO of Freeni (the Republic of Korea), said her company established multiple partnerships with Vietnamese firms during the fair, while many Vietnamese businesses also approached Freeni to discuss import and distribution deals.

“We initially expected only Vietnamese customers, but we also met many investors from other countries. The results far exceeded our expectations,” she said. “We plan to adjust our product flavors based on Vietnamese consumer feedback and look forward to securing high-value orders in this market.”

From Europe, Tomasz Stanko, representative of Arctic Sp.zo.o (Poland), highlighted Vietnam as an emerging destination for Polish apple exports. He emphasized that with their improved quality, Polish apples now compete effectively with the US and New Zealand products, particularly in crispness and sweetness.

Although Vietnam Foodexpo is not a fruit-focused trade show, Poland’s booth attracted strong attention from Vietnamese and international distributors, paving the way for future trade negotiations and contracts.

A successful platform for connection and growth

Marcus Persson, Commercial Counsellor of Sweden in Vietnam, said Swedish companies were “very satisfied” with both the organization and business networking opportunities at the event.

“This was a great success for us,” he affirmed. “Although this is Sweden’s first official participation, the outcome exceeded expectations, a memorable and fruitful experience.”

He encouraged Vietnamese food producers to continue improving product quality to meet Sweden’s strict standards, noting that “standards are the golden key” for entering the Swedish and EU markets, where green and clean production requirements are exceptionally high.

Swedish consumers, he explained, are deeply conscious of health, environmental protection, and social responsibility, prioritizing internationally certified products such as EU Organic, KRAV (Swedish Organic Standard), MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), and Fair Trade.

Persson also expressed Sweden’s interest in strengthening cooperation on green transition and sustainable development, encouraging Vietnamese enterprises to go beyond minimum requirements toward Swedish-level sustainability standards, thereby enhancing the global reputation of “Made in Vietnam” products.

Vietnam Foodexpo 2025 drew a large number of domestic and international visitors and businesses. Throughout its four days, the event facilitated thousands of direct business meetings and transactions, effectively connecting Vietnamese suppliers with international buyers, investors, and trade partners, and reaffirming Vietnam’s position as a dynamic hub for the regional food industry.