"Thai Nguyen - A Century of No. 1 Famous Tea " forum was held at the Tea Culture Space of Hao Dat Tea Cooperative, Tan Cuong commune, Thai Nguyen City
Journey to connect heritage and economy – Forum to honor Vietnamese tea
On May 20, at the Tea Culture Space of Hao Dat Tea Cooperative, Tan Cuong commune, Thai Nguyen City, "Thai Nguyen - A Century of No. 1 Famous Tea" forum was organized, serving as an important highlight in the series of activities "Vietnamese Tea - Culture and Heritage" under the project "I Love Vietnamese Tourism Culture". The forum not only honored the long-standing historical and cultural values of Thai Nguyen tea but the event also marked the beginning of a long-term strategy aimed at sustainably developing Vietnam's tea industry in the context of integration.
Blessed by nature with suitable soil conditions, through the skillful hands of people, Thai Nguyen tea was created, especially Tan Cuong tea with its characteristic young rice fragrance, refreshing astringent taste and deep lingering sweetness. This type of tea carries a journey of more than a century, beginning from the early 20th century when the French introduced tea plants to Tan Cuong with modern cultivation techniques for export to the world. This story was vividly recreated at the forum through the sharing of Ms. Dao Thanh Hai, Chairwoman of Hao Dat Tea Cooperative - the leading unit in preserving traditional midland tea varieties.
Along with that, analyses from scholars, researchers, collectors and local leaders demonstrated the connection between preserving cultural identity and shaping long-term economic strategies for the tea industry. Evidence from production practices, from cooperative models to brand building and product standardization, highlighted the role of tea as an indispensable part of Vietnam's agricultural development and unique cultural processes. The forum was not just a discussion but also a vibrant cultural experience space. Participants directly enjoyed tea in traditional ceremonies, toured the on-site manual tea processing procedures and learned about rare indigenous tea varieties - which are the "living heritage" of Tan Cuong region.
Thai Nguyen tea does not stop at being an agricultural product with economic value; it is the result of crystallization between special natural conditions - temperate climate, suitable soil, pure water sources and the dedication of tea makers. Each tea bud is picked at the right time, processed with proper techniques and fermented according to traditional methods, creating tea that carries the deep soul of Vietnamese land. This has been recognized since very early times, when "Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi" book of Nguyen dynasty in the late 19th century mentioned Nam tea in Phu Luong district (now part of Thai Nguyen) with the assessment "more delicious than other places". This is clear evidence that Thai Nguyen tea has occupied a special position in Vietnamese tea history for a very long time.
This forum convincingly affirmed that: Tea is a bridge between generations, a catalyst for dialogue between past and future, between cultural identity and development goals. An important highlight is the shift from "production" thinking to "value" thinking, from simple exploitation to sustainable development based on identity and indigenous knowledge.
Speaker sharing about the feelings and desires of international visitors when visiting tea regions in Vietnam
Billion-dollar aspiration - Thai Nguyen tea reaches out to the world
At "Thai Nguyen - A Century of No. 1 Famous Tea" forum, a new, strong and ambitious development orientation for Thai Nguyen's tea industry for 2025-2030 period was mentioned and clearly established. According to Resolution No. 11-NQ/TU dated February 3, 2025 of Thai Nguyen Province Party Committee, tea not only maintains its traditional production role but is identified as a key economic sector of the locality, with the goal of contributing at least USD 1 billion to the province's GRDP.
To realize this aspiration, Thai Nguyen province has implemented a series of strategic solutions. Among these, the application of high technology in agricultural production is one of the key focal points, aimed at improving quality and product traceability. Alongside this is the development of clean tea raw material zones that meet international standards, linked with sustainable agricultural value chains. The model of close cooperation between cooperatives - enterprises - farmers is also being promoted, creating a unified tea ecosystem with high competitiveness in the global market.
Mr. Duong Son Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said: In 2024, the province's tea cultivation area reached over 22,200 hectares, fresh bud production reached over 272,800 tons and tea product value reached VND 13.8 trillion. Thai Nguyen will continue to expand tea cultivation area to 24,500 hectares and is determined to achieve the target of VND 25 trillion (USD 1 billion) by 2030.
Developing community tourism, beautiful tea hills not only generate income from tea products but also become attractive destinations for visitors, helping local people improve economic efficiency. (Photo: Binh Yen)
Another strategic direction is developing experiential tourism in tea regions, considering this as a dual growth channel that both expands product outlets and promotes local culture. Tea hill tours, tea appreciation art classes, cultural festival activities linked with communities... are gradually forming a distinctive tourism product called "Thai Nguyen Tea".
At the same time, communication and export promotion strategies are also being strengthened to enhance the position of Thai Nguyen tea in the international market. With protected geographical indication, Thai Nguyen tea is increasingly present in demanding markets such as Japan, South Korea, Europe and North America - proving the superior value of tea not only in flavor but also in culture, reliability and professionalism.
All these factors have contributed to creating a new face for Thai Nguyen's tea industry: From a traditional agricultural product rising to become a symbol of green, clean and integrated values, not only making practical contributions to the local economy but also elevating the brand of Vietnamese agricultural products on the international arena
Vietnamese Tea - "Soft" ambassador of national culture
Tea is not merely a beverage, but a symbol of lifestyle, a philosophy of slow living and mindfulness. Tea has been and is gradually becoming a "soft ambassador”, representing national identity, the Vietnamese soul and profound Eastern spirit. A teapot is not only the crystallization between nature and traditional craftsmanship, but also the beginning of connection - between people, between past and present, between identity and modernity.
Tea culture researcher and antique teapot collector Mong Dong Vu believes that Thai Nguyen tea is distinctive due to five core elements: Color – Aura - Aroma - Taste - Spirit, in which "Taste" is the most important, irreplaceable element that creates the characteristic imprint of Thai Nguyen tea that nowhere else can possess. As for "Spirit”, it is the attraction, the subtle temptation, the soul that contains all four remaining elements, making tea connoisseurs remember forever. From these essences, Thai Nguyen tea is not just a product, but a living entity carrying cultural identity, capable of conveying emotions and touching the hearts of tea drinkers anywhere.
Members of Hao Dat Tea Cooperative demonstrating green tea processing techniques at the Forum
The billion-dollar aspiration of the tea industry is not only an economic goal but also affirms the position of Vietnamese tea, especially Thai Nguyen tea, on the world cultural map. It is the aspiration to build Thai Nguyen not only as the capital of tea production but to become the tea culture center of Asia - a convergence of Eastern spirit, a bridge between tradition and modernity, where people not only buy products but find a living value.
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