Expanding the model involving tuna exploitation and distribution chains

The main source of tuna in Vietnam, with a reserve of about 500,000 tons, is the central coast and the center of the East Sea. Processing is primarily done in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa province, who had a combined output of more than 92,000 tons last year.

The tuna exploitation, purchasing, processing, distribution chain model is managed by the Thinh Hung Company, a frozen seafood processor, and the fishing cooperative of Phuoc Dong commune in Khanh Hoa province, who enforces quality standards and ensures that all catches are bought at the market price. 30% of the tuna in the program has been rated A.

Tran Van Dat, head of the fishing cooperative, said “Now we understand that preserving our caught tuna increases its value as much as 10%. If a ship owner provides qualified fish for two consecutive months, he receives an immediate bonus. There is an additional bonus after 6 months, and a first prize of more than US$1,600.”

In Phu Yen, the chain run by Nguyen Hung Company in Song Cau town has boosted the value of products and harmonized the benefits of businesses and fishermen.

The connection has helped the Nguyen Hung Seafood Company expand its processing capacity and apply advanced technology to produce higher quality exports.

Nguyen Hung Hoa, Director of the Nguyen Hung Seafood Company, said his company earns US$8.8 million a year from tuna trading and processing.

“We process the catches of more than 80 tuna boats from Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh. We have worked with those fishermen for a long time. Now we also act as an authorized agency for a Thai group” Hoa added.

Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa now have 36 facilities receiving tuna catches and 15 processing companies exporting tuna to 138 markets.