The market for minimally processed foods has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, due to the fresh-like characteristics and convenience associated with these foods. This group of goods is considered to be the biggest advantage of modern retailers.

Retailers in Da Nang are ramping up the sale of minimally processed foods. In the photo: Shoppers are seen at the Co.opmart Da Nang Supermarket. Photo by QUYNH TRANG

Just having a glance at frozen counters in some supermarkets in Da Nang such as Go!, Co.opmart, Danavi Mart, or organic food stores, housewives will be immediately attracted by a variety of processed and minimally processed products.

For instance, nearly 200 minimally processed fresh products are on sale at the Danavi Mart. Of which, flying fish stuffed with compressed tubers, braised pork with eggs, braised chicken with lemongrass, and sauteed pork chops with sour cabbages are the supermarket’s bestsellers.

“Minimally processed foods at the Danavi Mart have been very popular with customers for a long time. This is the supermarket’s strategic product line, so we will continue expanding this group of foods to meet the increasing actual needs of local shoppers", said Danavi Mart’s Director Phan Nhu Yen.

Similarly, customers can easily buy minimally processed items at the Saigon Co.op retail systems in Da Nang: Co.opmart Da Nang and Co.opmart Son Tra. Included are pork ribs marinated with five spices, snakehead fish sour soup, gourd cooked with dried shrimp, braised snakehead fish, and pan fried basa fish fillets. They are being sold by kilogram or by ready-made foam trays.

Director of the Co.opmart Da Nang Phan Thong said that about 30 minimally processed items are made available at his supermarket. These products are currently favoured by consumers thanks to their high quality, and producers' reputation.

Mr Thong affirmed the strength of his supermarket is that it has exploited and processed products with Vietnamese flavour, thereby contributing to improving the value of Vietnamese culinary culture.

The read-made foam trays of vegetables, tubers and fruits are suitable for small families. Photo taken by QUYNH TRANG at the Go! Supermarket.

Mrs. Nhu Quynh, who is an accountant from Thanh Khe District, said she usually finished her work at 6:00pm every day. Therefore, she often chose minimally processed foods in order to save time taken for preparing meals for her family. “With trays of minimally processed foods, I just need to add more spices to suit my taste” added she.

Similarly, Mrs. Kim Anh, residing in My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, said that the fact that minimally processed foods can simplify prepping and cooking so housewives can enjoy nourishing and filling meals without spending too time in the kitchen.

On the other hand, amid the complicated developments of COVID-19, with minimally processed foods, housewives do not have to go back and forth to supermarkets or markets many times to buy goods.

As noted, the prices of minimally processed foods are 10-20% higher than those of fresh goods. However, in terms of economy and time, these foods are not expensive and are much more convenient when compared to unprocessed products. The peculiarity of this product line is that it is suitable for young customers who still want to eat at home but don't have much time for cooking.

A recent surge in demand for minimally processed foods leads to increased competitiveness among ready-made food suppliers.

Mr. Nguyen Khai, the owner of the La Ban Mart organic food store located on Chau Thi Vinh Te Street, Ngu Hanh Son District said his store’s target source of customer is young people who do not have much time for cooking and preparing food. Currently, the minimally processed foods at the store are quite simple, focusing on vegetables and tubers. In the near future, the store will develop more savory dishes such as minimally processed meat and fish.

“The market for minimally processed foods is posing great potential for development, hereby helping to enhance the competitiveness among food retailers” predicted Mr Khai.

Head of the Inspection Division under the Da Nang Food Safety Management Board Nguyen Van Hoa said that minimally processed foods have grown strongly since the beginning of 2020. Many inspection teams have been set up to examine food safety at food stores citywide and recommend store owners not to label the expiration dates because fresh foods should only be used during the day.

To date, no business establishments have violated food hygiene and safety regulations. However, consumers are advised to buy minimally processed products at reputable food stores to ensure food hygiene and safety. In addition, they need to carefully ask sellers and suppliers about the storage temperature of these foods.

Reporting by QUYNH TRANG - Translating by M.DUNG