Success in Bancha tea production

BHG - With a desire to change traditional thinking, Nguyen Ngoc Tu, a resident of Viet Lam Farm Town in Vi Xuyen District, was determined to establish a cooperative specialising in processing mature tea leaves into Bancha tea bags. His initial success not only increased his family’s income but also created jobs for local workers.

Leaders of Viet Lam Farm Town (Vi Xuyen) visit Anh Tu Cooperative’s model.

Vi Xuyen is famous for its vast Shan Tuyet tea hills, yet mature tea leaves are often underutilised, despite being the key ingredient for Bancha tea — a Japanese tea known for its many health benefits. Recognising this potential, Tu founded the cooperative in December 2023, and by October 2024, it had officially launched under the brand Bancha Van Phung Tea.

Bancha tea undergoes a meticulous, handcrafted process, including boiling, cooling, drying, grinding, and packaging into filter bags, preserving its full flavour and nutrients. Thanks to its convenience, the product quickly attracted consumers. Currently, a box of 20 tea bags is sold for 79,000 VND. After just two months of production, the cooperative has distributed 10,000 units, while creating jobs for 10 workers, each earning 270,000–300,000 VND per day.

Nguyen Thi Hong, a resident of Viet Lam Farm Town, shared: “Previously, my family relied solely on rice and corn farming, which had low economic efficiency. Since working at the cooperative, our living conditions have improved significantly.”

Nguyen Xuan Tinh, Chairman of the Viet Lam Farm Town People’s Committee, stated: “This model helps tea farmers sell their products. The local government will provide support in finding distribution channels, promoting the product online, and guiding the cooperative in developing an OCOP brand.”

The early success of Bancha tea has opened new opportunities for Vi Xuyen’s tea industry, maximising available resources, creating local jobs, and enhancing the market value of tea.

THU BIEN - NGUYEN MAI