At the seminar "Participation of international distribution groups and buying centers at Viet Nam International Sourcing 2024," Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Sweden, shared important information about consumer trends in Northern Europe and the requirements for Vietnamese businesses.

Sourcing Fair 2023 witnessed the interest of many large corporations from Northern Europe such as FH, IKEA, Scanesia, and East Asia. Many contracts were signed right at the event, opening up opportunities for Vietnamese products such as frozen bread and shredded green papaya.

Sourcing Fair 2024 is expected to continue attracting the participation of "giants" such as IKEA, CTFood, and A Chau Lien. However, Vietnamese businesses need to meet increasingly stringent requirements for sustainable and responsible production.

Specifically, IKEA applies the IWAY standard, a responsible purchasing and supply code of conduct, requiring suppliers to commit to environmental protection, ensuring labor rights and animal welfare throughout the supply chain. FH prioritizes cooperation with suppliers with BSCI/Amfori certification, ensuring compliance with social responsibility standards in business.

Nordic consumers are increasingly interested in products that are produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Vietnamese businesses need to proactively apply "green" initiatives in the production process, minimize environmental impacts, and enhance social responsibility to seize opportunities in this market.

The Nordic market, with its stringent requirements for sustainable production, is pushing Vietnamese businesses towards a "green transformation," towards a responsible business model, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Thuy Linh