Certification highlights rising demand for high-quality, traceable teas
Vietnam’s premium tea segment has received a significant boost as Hong Thai Shan Tuyet tea, cultivated in Tuyen Quang Province, has been officially awarded the prestigious 5-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) certification by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The recognition underscores the product’s exceptional quality, heritage value, and growing prominence in both domestic and international specialty tea markets.
Developed by Son Tra Cooperative in Hong Thai Commune, the tea originates from ancient Shan Tuyet tea forests located at elevations exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level. The region’s cool, mist-laden climate provides optimal conditions for cultivating tea with a distinctive sensory profile, marked by a delicate aroma, mild astringency, and a lingering natural sweetness.
Over the past decade, Son Tra Cooperative has strategically transformed production practices to align with organic and sustainable standards. Investments in modern processing infrastructure—including advanced roasting, rolling, sieving, and vacuum packaging systems—have enabled the cooperative to enhance product consistency while preserving traditional characteristics. The production model is further reinforced through close collaboration with local farmers, adhering to a stringent “three-no” approach: no chemical crop protection inputs, no artificial additives, and no inorganic fertilizers.
The cooperative currently oversees 64 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea cultivation, including 29 hectares of centuries-old tea trees and 35 hectares of mature plantations over two decades old. This blend of heritage resources and modern agronomic practices has positioned Hong Thai Shan Tuyet tea as a flagship product within Vietnam’s specialty agriculture sector.
The recognition also reflects broader regional progress, as Tuyen Quang Province now boasts three nationally certified 5-star OCOP products, reinforcing its status as an emerging hub for high-value, origin-linked agricultural commodities.
With increasing global demand for traceable, sustainably produced teas, the elevation of Hong Thai Shan Tuyet tea to 5-star status is expected to enhance market access, strengthen rural livelihoods, and further elevate Vietnam’s standing in the premium tea landscape.
