Gia Lai’s Binh Dinh taps red tilapia potential for EU export push
Binh Dinh, now part of Vietnam’s Gia Lai province, is accelerating efforts to develop an export-oriented red tilapia value chain, with local processor Mai Tin Binh Dinh Co., Ltd. beginning procurement for European markets at premium farm-gate prices.
Since June 2025, the company has been sourcing red tilapia from Dinh Binh reservoir (Vinh Thanh district) at VND 60,000-65,000/kg, up VND 10,000-15,000 year-on-year. It is also working with farmers to implement stricter residue controls and align farming practices with EU food safety standards.
Dinh Binh reservoir, with a 226 million m³ capacity and stable water levels year-round, currently supports over 460 cages operated by more than 32 households. Production in 2024 is forecast at 750 metric tons, of which red tilapia accounts for 600 tons. The majority of current sales are to domestic markets in Da Nang, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum.
Despite these volumes, farming practices remain fragmented. To improve quality and marketability, Binh Dinh authorities are pushing for tighter integration across the value chain, supporting technical training, disease prevention, and regular water quality monitoring.
The province views red tilapia as a strategic species for export diversification and rural income growth. With a roadmap in place and private sector involvement ramping up, Binh Dinh is eyeing its first breakthrough into high-value markets in Europe and beyond.
VFM
