Under the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) programme, cashew nuts are a key product of Dong Nai, with many producers having been awarded the national 5-star OCOP certification. Numerous businesses investing in cashew processing and export have expressed strong aspirations to build a national brand for Vietnam’s cashew capital on the global market. Building a national brand for Dong Nai cashew To date, the province has developed a total of 496 OCOP-certified products, among which, dozens are made from cashew nuts. Notably, most of Dong Nai’s 5-star national-level OCOP rating products are cashew-based processed items. It is expected that in the coming period, more deeply processed cashew products will achieve 5-star national-level OCOP certification. Recently, the Dong Nai OCOP Evaluation and Classification Council assessed and recognised 15 additional OCOP products in 2025, including 11 cashew-based processed products, six of which have the potential to receive a 5-star national-level rating. Dong Nai has been intensifying trade promotion and marketing efforts for OCOP products, with a strategic focus on cashew nuts. Many OCOP owners have actively adopted advanced technology in production and strengthened their presence on e-commerce platforms to build strong local brands. Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Recognition of multiple cashew products as 5-star national-level OCOP items has significantly enhanced the value and brand reputation of Dong Nai cashews. This achievement demonstrates the steady transformation of the province's cashew industry from raw production to advanced processing, turning local specialties into nationally recognized brands. During the recent OCOP assessment, Gia Bao Corporation Joint Stock Company, based in Binh Phuoc ward, had five products and one cashew product set recognised as potential 5-star national-level OCOP items. The achievement affirms the company's growing domestic reputation for its products. A representative of the company said it had recently inaugurated the Ba Tu Binh Phuoc Agricultural and Food Processing Factory in Dong Tam commune, with an investment capital of USD 6.5 million. The facility reflects the enterprise’s capability in mastering technology and maintaining self-reliant production in the cashew sector. In the near future, the factory will expand its product range with more value-added processed cashew lines, contributing to the development of a national brand for Dong Nai’s cashew industry in international markets. Expanding reach in global markets The participation and certification of cashew-processing and exporting enterprises in the OCOP programme demonstrate that Dong Nai’s signature product has been effectively integrated into national value chains. Each 5-star OCOP cashew product represents a success story of a local specialty advancing into global markets. A representative of Gold Cashew Co., Ltd. (Phu Rieng commune, Dong Nai province) stated that the company's cashew products have been exported to demanding markets, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The company complies with the environmental and food hygiene standards of Vietnam, as well as those of international markets. "Our ambition is to build a cashew brand that not only competes strongly in the domestic market but also reaches international stature," the representative shared. To Thi Nga, Director of Nga Bien Import-Export Co., Ltd. (Xuan Hoa commune, Dong Nai province), said that the company has focused on upgrading its processing lines with modern, automated technology based on a closed production process. As a result, the company has reduced labour costs by about 50%, accelerated production progress, and continuously improved product quality. It is now diversifying its range of deeply processed cashew products to introduce internationally standardised items to domestic consumers. The company also attaches great importance to brand development for both domestic and export markets. Several of its products have achieved 5-star national-level OCOP certification, significantly contributing to the development of a strong brand for Dong Nai's renowned cashew specialty. According to Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee, the province’s OCOP product development programme has been implemented in line with its objectives, focusing on developing local advantage products while promoting deep processing to enhance added value. Dong Nai currently has the largest cashew cultivation area in Vietnam. In the coming years, cashew will remain a key product. Dong Nai Province is focusing its development efforts on maintaining its position as the nation's cashew capital and one of Vietnam’s leading cashew exporters.