Dodo, a Da Nang-based startup, has proved highly popular amongst those who love cashew nuts sourced from the southern province of Binh Phuoc, which is thought to have one of the best snack nuts in the world.

Duong Trong Duoc has gained success in starting up with cashew nuts

The startup was created by 22-year-old Duong Trong Duoc when he was still an undergraduate at the Da Nang University of Economics. The strong-willed man came up with the Dodo 'brainchild' pending his graduation which was postponed due to COVID-19 resurgence.

Early in his life, Duoc inherited a passion for doing business from his mother and sisters. Besides, thanks to experience learned from his enrollment in startup programmes and basic accumulation of knowledge in finance during the four academic years, the man began to follow the challenging yet interesting entrepreneurial journey at the end of the third academic year.

He started up his own business with cashew nuts which feature large amounts of nutrients necessary for human beings, especially bodybuilders. Dodo, therefore, targets at developing good quality products to help customers supplement healthy nutrition.

From the early days of his business, Duoc sourced cashew nuts harvested from his uncle’s orchard. Having a background in general knowledge on finance, Duoc has enhanced his cost and cash flow management skills to maximize net profit as much as expected in tandem with ensuring high quality products for the sake of customers.

In addition, there is no denying that his participation in charity fundraising sales activities launched by the Youth Union organisation of the Faculty of Finance at the university has inspired him to take bolder steps in appealing for orders from customers near and far.

However, “fire proves gold, adversity proves men”. In a bid to achieve success, Duoc had to spend a lot of time creating unique packaging samples, logos, and mulling over how to promote products for high communication efficiency.

“Not only focusing on sales, I always pay attention to after-sales service to keep customers satisfied. Fully aware of customers' feedback on my products and those created by other competitors in the market, I can develop more appropriate business strategies”, said Duoc.

Currently, Dodo offers consumers whole-husk, husk-less and salt-roasted cashews, and macadamia nuts. The number of customers has grown day by day, not only in Da Nang but also in Ha Noi, Hoa Binh, and other localities in Central Viet Nam.

The average monthly revenue comes from 35% of loyal customers, 25% from referrals, 25% from Facebook, 10% from Instagram, and 5% from in-person customers.

Fanpage Dodo - Binh Phuoc Cashew Nuts in Da Nang has appealed to more than 1,900 likes and followers, receiving positive feedback.

In the upcoming time, in an attempt to attract more customers, Dodo plans to promote its products on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada simultaneously.

Reporting by KHANH QUYEN-Translating by T. VY, H. NGOC, T. AN