Attending the launch ceremony were Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, along with leaders of various provincial departments and agencies; officials from Yen Chau district and Moc Chau township; and representatives from enterprises, cooperatives, and standout plum-growing households in the region.

With over 85,000 hectares of fruit trees, Son La ranks as the second-largest fruit-growing province in Vietnam and the largest in the North. Of that, plum cultivation covers 14,550 hectares, with 2025 output estimated at 100,000 tonnes. Son La’s signature “hau” plums are prized for their firm, juicy texture, sweet flavour with a hint of tartness, and have become one of the province’s key agricultural products.

The Son La Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre, in coordination with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, selected Noi Bai Catering Services JSC to supply 2,000 kilogrammes of premium-quality “hau” plums for in-flight meals on Vietnam Airlines. The fruits were carefully selected to meet the strict standards required for both domestic and international flights.

In addition, “hau” plums are being widely distributed through the retail networks of Saigon Co.op, Go!, and WinCommerce, meeting consumer demand nationwide, particularly in the southern market.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Cong expressed his hope that Vietnam Airlines, Saigon Co.op, Go!, and WinCommerce would create favourable conditions and offer preferential policies for Son La-based enterprises and cooperatives to sign supply contracts and distribute the province’s agricultural products through their supermarket systems. He emphasised key crops such as mango and longan — high-yield, safety-certified fruits currently in harvest season.

He also called for support in promoting Son La’s agricultural strengths and connecting local businesses with partners to boost distribution through retail chains. The province, he affirmed, is committed to providing a business-friendly environment and maximum support for enterprises — both inside and outside province — involved in the production, harvesting, processing, preservation, distribution, and export of agricultural goods.

Immediately after the ceremony, more than 2 tonnes of plums from Son La began their journey for use in the national flag carrier’s in-flight meals.