To support businesses and cooperatives in developing rural industrial products, the province has implemented various forms of assistance, such as investing in modern machinery, organising trade fairs, establishing showrooms, and promoting products through the media and e-commerce platforms.

Since 2014, the province has provided machinery and production equipment support to 29 rural industrial facilities, with total funding exceeding 4.2 billion VND (approximately 160,229 USD). In addition, under Resolution No. 128/2020/NQ-HDND, issued by the provincial People’s Council on February 28, 2020, to promote investment in agriculture and rural areas, Son La allocated 20.5 billion VND during the 2020–2023 period to support 336 organisations and businesses in brand development and market expansion.

Another 1.4 billion VND was provided to five cooperatives for infrastructure investment. These efforts have helped enterprises and cooperatives gradually improve productivity, product value, and market competitiveness.

The lingzhi mushroom products of Manh Thang Co., Ltd., based in Hat Lot town, Mai Son district, stand as a testament to well-structured investment, having been recognised as a 2024 provincial Outstanding Rural Industrial Product and awarded a 4-star OCOP (One Commune Onc Product) rating.

According to Director Dao Manh Thang, since its establishment in 2018, the company has developed a closed-loop production process and invested in modern machinery such as heat-drying cabinets, slicers, and steam sterilisers, with a production capacity of 30 tonnes per year.

Operating on an 8,000-square-metre factory site, the company produces a variety of products, including sliced dried lingzhi mushrooms, whole dried mushrooms, mushroom extract, and spore mushroom wine, supplying around 10 tonnes of products to the market annually.

As for Son La Sugar Joint Stock Company, its premium refined sugar product was recognised in 2023 as a provincial Outstanding Rural Industrial Product.

Nguyen Van Tai, Director of the SLS Sugar Processing Plant, shared that since 2023, the company has invested nearly 87.5 billion VND in upgrading equipment, boosting processing capacity, purchasing the entire sugarcane output from farmers, and meeting environmental protection standards.

For the 2024–2025 crop year, SLS maintains a stable raw material area of 9,268 hectares, with an expected harvest of about 600,000 tonnes of sugarcane, yielding over 78,500 tonnes of various sugar products. The company’s products are not only supplied to the domestic market but also exported, helping to strengthen the Son La sugar brand on the international stage.

Since 2014, the Department of Industry and Trade has advised the provincial People’s Committee to organise five rounds of provincial-level selection for outstanding rural industrial products.

Across the province, 148 products have been recognised at the provincial level, 23 at the regional level, and 11 at the national level, mainly in the categories of processed agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, food, and handicrafts.

Many of these products have established their own brands and gained market acceptance, contributing to the growth of rural industry.

In 2025, Son La will hold its selection of Outstanding Rural Industrial Products during the third and fourth quarters. Enterprises, cooperatives, cooperative groups, household businesses, and localities are required to submit their registration lists to the Department of Industry and Trade by July 30.

According to Nguyen Dinh Phong, Deputy Director of the department, products participating in the 2025 selection will be categorised into four main groups: handicrafts; processed agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and food; equipment, machinery, tools, and mechanical components; and other products.

The evaluation and selection will be based on key criteria such as market potential and production scalability, socio-economic and environmental impact, and the product’s cultural and aesthetic value. Additional factors will also be considered, including quality certifications, awards or other recognitions, and whether the business fulfills its obligations to the State and participates in social responsibility.

The recognition has helped businesses and production facilities in Son La enhance their reputation, expand market reach, and boost competitiveness, while advancing the province’s industry and handicraft sectors toward greater international integration.