Taking place from August 20-26, LotteMart will carry out programs to advertise, distribute and promote the use of longans and farm produce grown in northern Son La province, such as avocados, persimmons, bananas and red grape fruit, with a focus on longans which have been granted the VietGap certificate, a geographic indication and trademark registration certificate.

Bui Manh Hai, a CEO of LotteMart Vietnam in the north and central regions, said the company plans to sell around 6 tons of longans during the week. The Son La longans and other farm produce will continue to be sold through the LotteMart network across the country after the week concludes.

Vu Duc Thuan, vice director of Son La provincial Department of Planning and Investment, said the province has developed 15 production chains for safe longans certified by VietGap to boost the production of safe farm produce. It already produces about 5,000 tons of certified longans, including 1,500 tons in licensed area codes meeting conditions for export to the US, Australia, the Republic of Korea and ASEAN. Last year, 9 of the province’s products received Trademark Registration Certificates and Son La has continued to develop unique brand names for a further 12 products this year.

Thuan said he hopes the event will popularize Son La longans and farm produce among both domestic and foreign customers, helping local farmers, particularly ethnic minority people in remote, mountainous and border areas, to find a steady market for their products.