Concerned about the labor-intensive nature of palmyra palm sap collection, its low economic value and the declining number of young people taking up the craft, Diu left Ho Chi Minh City to return to her hometown in Tri Ton commune, An Giang province, to start her business.
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Chau Ngoc Diu from Tri Ton commune, An Giang province, poses with palmyra palm products. |
Starting with just one farming household, Palmania has expanded its network to nearly 30 households through a guaranteed purchasing arrangement. By offering farmers better-than-market prices, the company helps them secure stable outlets for their products while encouraging them to meet production and quality requirements.
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Palmyra palm products made by Chau Ngoc Diu's production facility in Tri Ton commune, An Giang province |
To add value to the local raw material, Diu has improved processing methods and developed a wide range of products from palmyra palm sap, including pure palmyra palm juice, sugar cubes, liquid sugar, powder, syrup, caramel coloring and dipping sauces. These products offer a wider range of uses beyond traditional palmyra palm sugar.
Reflecting on her startup journey, Diu said she initially faced numerous challenges involving technical expertise, production processes and cooperation with farmers.
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By making use of locally sourced raw materials, Palmania is diversifying palmyra palm sap processing and applications while preserving and promoting a local specialty. |
The company had to improve traditional products to meet the demands of the modern market while investing in product quality and human resources. To secure safe raw materials, it established purchasing partnerships with farmers, offering prices above market levels while requiring them to meet strict technical and quality standards.
She stressed that while the products retain traditional production methods, they must also meet modern market requirements, with technical expertise, production specifications and product quality remaining top priorities.
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A certificate from the An Giang Provincial Technical Innovation Contest awarded to Chau Ngoc Diu and her co-authors |
Palmania's achievements include recognition under the national One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, international organic certification, certification related to a low glycemic index, and recognition for its typical rural industrial products at the regional level. The company has also won several awards at startup competitions in the Mekong Delta.
For Diu, developing palmyra palm products is about more than building a brand. It is also a way to preserve a traditional craft, secure markets for local farmers and increase the value of locally sourced raw materials.
Palmania's products are now available through health food and organic food retailers in various localities across the country, as well as on e-commerce platforms. They have also reached international markets with stringent quality requirements.
Translated by Minh Anh