Application of science and technology to elevate OCOP products

Invest in the application of science and technology (science and technology) in processing and production is an effective solution to improve product quality and production and business efficiency. From 2019, when our province implements the program “One product per commune” (OCOP), the investment and application of science and technology will be paid more attention by economic entities in order to provide consumers with quality products best quality. At the same time, contributing to perfecting standards and quality assurance to participate in OCOP cycle of districts and provinces.

The Tho Xuan district is famous for many quality products, gaining the trust and support of consumers, such as Luan Van pomelo, Tu Tru hemp cake, baked rolls, peanut candy, etc. When the OCOP Program was implemented in the area, products with local advantages were increasingly paid attention, focused on investment, in order to build and affirm the brand and position in the market. According to statistics of  the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the People’s Committee of  The Tho Xuan District, currently there are 18 products participating in the OCOP Program in the district. In particular, most of the products have completed branding, collective marks, geographical indications, etc. Thereby, there were 3 products rated 3 stars in the provincial OCOP product in 2019, namely: Duc Giang brown candy, Duc Giang peanut candy of Duc Giang Co., Ltd. and Lam Tham go cake of Lam production establishment them. In order to orient the development of key products towards sustainability, quality improvement, concentrated commodity production and branding, the Tho Xuan district has supported economic entities to participate in fairs, exhibition to promote products. At the same time, perfecting documents proving standards and quality in production and business development. Duc Giang Co., Ltd. in Phu Xuan commune is a pioneer in investing in producing and processing traditional peanuts on a large scale. In order to improve the quality, design, product packaging, the application of science and technology to improve product quality has been specially focused by the company. Mr. Duong Van Giang, director of the company, said: The specific substance of the product of peanut candy, brown rice candy in Duc Giang is the crunchiness of roasted peanuts, brown rice, ginger-scented aroma and slight sweetness of malt, etc. Making quality products requires the company to invest in technology to select and produce the best products. During processing stage, with local support, the company invests to buy 1 sublimation dryer, 1 cutter, 2 automatic bagging lines, etc. Mr. Giang added: “Since the application of these new technologies, the mixing ratio is guaranteed. Especially in the process of processing, packaging and applying technology to help the product look beautiful in the form and shape, the ability to preserve it longer and be well received by consumers”. Thanks to the application of science and technology to production, Duc Giang Co., Ltd. annually consumes about 30 tons of peanut candy, more than 20 tons of brown rice candy, the average turnover of about 3 billion VND / year.

As a strong producer of the Hau Loc district, alcohol Chi Ne of Hau Loc Trade Joint Stock Company has increasingly affirmed its brand in the market. Each year the company produces and consumes more than 2 million liters of wine of all kinds. From the end of 2010, after bringing the Pilot scale distillation system, the concentration of aldehydes and methanol in Chi Ne wine decreased, the product quality was improved. At the same time, the norms of food safety and hygiene are guaranteed, creating greater confidence and support of consumers. Mr. Nguyen Cong Chinh, Director of Hau Loc Trade Joint Stock Company, said: To proactively improve product quality, the company has expanded the factory scale, modernized the production process of wine to ensure stricter standards on food safety, innovating packaging design in a more eye-catching manner. With these improvements, the company’s Chi Ne wine product has been rated 3 stars by the OCOP Thanh Hoa Product Rating Council in 2019. In addition, to affirm and enhance the position of the above product. In addition to marketing and upgrading its products under the OCOP Program, the company will invite consultants to incorporate the most modern technologies applied to the beer and wine industry.

Through surveys of specialized units, most economic entities in the province actively take measures to implement science and technology to improve productivity and product quality. Along with that, localities also actively guide businesses, organizations and individuals to register for trademark protection, goods labeling, product packaging designs, registration codes, bar code part confirms the name and brand of products on the market.

It can be affirmed that the application of science and technology is one of the key factors that help the products to improve quality and competitiveness in the market. Therefore, in order to improve OCOP products, the province needs to continue focusing on supporting businesses and localities to apply high technology, biotechnology, scientific and technological advances in the production of agricultural products, forestry products, especially those with strengths.

Productivity and Quality Office