A blue economy position provides a competitive edge

The blue economy-based coffee ecosystem of Vietnam is emerging on the foundation of a transition from a linear production model to a regenerative and circular value system.

- By Dr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan Director-general, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

This ecosystem goes beyond extracting coffee beans, optimising the entire biomass through a cascading approach that transforms byproducts such as spent grounds, husks, and wastewater into resources for food, biomaterials, energy, and fertilisers.

The integration of regenerative agriculture, deep processing technologies, and sustainability standards enhances quality, reduces emissions, and increases value added.

The application of advanced technologies, AI, big data, digital traceability, and the development of a circular coffee brand creates a competitive advantage in global markets. This forms the basis for Vietnam’s shift from a raw material supplier to a value-defining nation in the global coffee value chain.

Vietnam’s coffee sector stands at a historic turning point, transitioning from a volume-based raw export model to a high-value structure centred on quality, branding, and supply chain control, key determinants of its position in global trade. This transformation reflects not only favourable international market dynamics but also a strategic internal restructuring in which firms and farmers increasingly internalise value addition instead of relying on foreign intermediaries.

In early 2026, Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports reached $11.3 billion in the first two months, up 17.1 per cent on-year, laying a solid foundation for the annual target of $73-75 billion. Within this ecosystem, coffee serves as a strategic pillar, anchoring trade surplus and macroeconomic stability.