Tan Lap works to build Shan Tuyet tea brand

BHG - By identifying its potentials and advantages, promulgating sound policies, and mobilising the participation of the entire political system and the people, Tan Lap Commune (Bac Quang District) has created a three-pillar foundation to make breakthroughs in sustainably developing the Shan Tuyet tea-growing area.

Tan Lap is a particularly disadvantagedmountainous commune in Bac Quang District. However, the commune is blessed with ideal soil and climate conditions to grow Shan Tuyet tea. Tan Lap tea products have gained prestige in the market, and are consumed in large quantities every year, with demand even exceeding the supply.

Secretary of Tan Lap Commune Party Committee Trieu Chan Khuan inspects the production of Shan Tuyet tea at a local facility.

However, the development of Shan Tuyet tea still has many limitations, such as small scale planting with low planting density, and lack of intensive investment. Tea quality is not all equal due to improper harvesting techniques, which affects the productivity and quality.

Most households only sell fresh tea buds, and there has not yet been a closed value chain from production to consumption, consequently, the potential of tea trees has not been fully promoted.

In 2021, Tan Lap Commune issued Resolution 33 to sustainably develop Shan Tuyet tea trees as a key product. Local authorities have stepped up communication programmes to raise people's awareness, encourage the application of modern farming processes, and establish concentrated and safe raw material areas. The authorities have also created favourable conditions for businesses and individuals to invest in processing and use advanced technology to improve the quality and diversity of tea products.

By 2025, the commune targets that the productivity of fresh tea buds will be increased to 5 tonnes/ha/year whilealso ensuring that 100% of fresh tea buds are processed into dry tea, thus contributing to increasing product value.

After three-year implementation of the resolution, Tan Lap has 120 hectares of tea-growing areas meeting VietGAP standards, along with many processing facilities and prominent tea brands such as Shan Tuyet Cong Troi I Tea and Tan Lap Shan Tuyet Tea. Enterprises and cooperatives have invested in modern technological lines to create high-quality products. As a result, the commune's dry tea output is set to reach nearly 520 tonnes in 2024, with a selling price of 50-80 million VND/tonne.

The commune is also developing Shan Tuyet tea in integration with eco-tourism and community culture and is taking advantage of land and climate resources to produce specialty tea, aiming for a sustainable development model under which Shan Tuyet tea is developed as key product with a strong brand in the market.