Viet Nam is currently the world leader in terms of pepper output. Photo giacaphe.com

HA NOI (Biz Hub)— Viet Nam exported more than 38,000 tonnes of pepper in the first four months of 2013, earning US$370 million – a year-on-year increase of 30 per cent.

Viet Nam is currently the world leader in terms of pepper output, sending out about 120,000 tonnes per year. However, 70 per cent of its pepper exports are in the form of raw materials with low value.

The country exports pepper to more than 90 countries and territories, but most consumers are unaware that the spice they use originates from Viet Nam, as products are usually processed and packaged overseas.

Six foreign-invested businesses currently purchase and process pepper in Viet Nam, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the country's total pepper export turnover last year.

Pepper businesses should accelerate their restructuring and work together to maintain their global market share, said Vietnam Pepper Association Chairman Do Ha Nam, adding that local exporters should hone their competitive edge to stay ahead of foreign rivals.-VNS