Barbara Nadeau, Commercial Counsellor of Canadian in Ha Noi, speaking at a "Taste Canadian Cherries" event, which was organised for the first time in HCM City. — VNS Photo

Barbara Nadeau, Commercial Counsellor of Canada in Ha Noi, said overall exports of Canadian fresh fruits, including cherries and Ambrosia apples, have increased by 80 per cent, reaching nearly C$4 million (US$3.12 million) last year.

Exports of fresh Canadian cherries to Viet Nam alone were valued at over C$1.7 million ($1.32 million) last year, a year-on-year increase by nearly 50 per cent, she told the event organised by the Embassy of Canada and Consulate General of Canada in collaboration with Co.opXtra supermarket and Nam Chan Food Corporation.

At the event, Vietnamese consumers had the opportunity to taste the finest Canadian cherries produced in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province located on the Pacific Coast.

Canadian cherries are being exported to many markets in Asia and Europe. British Columbian cherry farmers are accredited for food safety and traceability standards, she said.

 "Canada is a proud producer of the highest quality cherries," she said, adding that its Government has invested greatly in its cherry industry and has developed cherry varieties that feature high sugar and firmness.

"In Viet Nam, Canadian cherries enjoy increasing popularity among consumers," she said.

Duong Minh Quang, deputy general director of Saigon Co.op Fairprice Limited Liability Company, which operates Co.opXtra supermarkets, said the co-operation programme will contribute to offer local consumers more diverse and high quality products.

According to the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, Viet Nam spent nearly $278 million to import fruits and vegetables in the first five months of the year, an increase of 48 per cent over the same period last year. – VNS