The event was attended by over 100 member companies of the ASTA, the Coffee and Cocoa Association, and import-export businesses of Vietnam, as well as representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. - ASEAN Business Council, the U.S. Grains Council, and commercial and agricultural attachés from ASEAN embassies in the U.S.
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People enjoy beef "pho" - a traditional dish seasoned with typical Vietnamese spices at the event. |
In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasized that Vietnam is proud to be the world’s third-largest supplier and processor of spices, with an annual export value exceeding 1 billion USD (2024 data). The spice industry is promoting green production and developing raw material areas that meet the standards of major markets, demonstrating a commitment to food safety and sustainable development.
According to the ambassador, 2025 is especially meaningful as it marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam - U.S. diplomatic relations, with trade, including in the spice sector, serving as a key driving force. The U.S. is currently one of the largest markets for Vietnamese spices, with black pepper as a flagship product and growing demand, opening numerous cooperation opportunities for businesses from both countries.
ASTA President Kerri Goad-Berrios emphasized that maintaining close relationships with spice-producing countries is crucial to the success of the U.S. spice industry, and in fact, international cooperation is one of the core goals of the association.
The Vietnamese Trade Office in the U.S. invited American businesses to the 2026 Vietnam International Spice and Pepper Outlook (VIPO), which is scheduled to be organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Da Nang from March 3 to 5, 2026.
Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of black pepper, accounting for over 50% of global production. Each year, Vietnam exports approximately 80,000 tons to the U.S., more than 60% of the U.S. black pepper imports. This highlights the significant role of Vietnamese spices, especially black pepper, in the U.S. market.
Source: VNA