The events brought together dozens of businesses, cooperatives and production facilities, highlighting agricultural products, processed foods and traditional handicrafts from across the region. Organisers said the fairs aimed to expand consumption channels for locally made goods while strengthening market linkages for producers in remote areas.
At the two consecutive fairs, Thiện Tâm Agricultural Products Facility, based in Quy Nhơn Nam Ward, attracted strong interest by presenting eight processed product lines, including cereal powder, turmeric starch, lotus seed starch, arrowroot powder, peanut oil and black sesame oil. Three of these products have achieved 3-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) certification.
Owner Hoàng Thị Kiều Thiện said local consumers responded positively, with many returning to place additional orders after initially sampling the products. She noted that the facility focuses on health-oriented products made from locally sourced ingredients, contributing to both quality assurance and added value for regional agricultural produce.
Traditional food products also drew attention. Hà Thị Hương, owner of Cô Phương Noodle and Rice Paper Facility in Phù Cát Commune, said her workshop currently produces 10 types of noodles and rice papers using traditional methods. She said strict controls are applied at every stage, from ingredient selection to processing, to ensure quality, safety and distinctive flavours that reflect the culinary identity of the province’s eastern region.
Introducing these products in western communes, where food preferences differ, generated enthusiastic feedback from local residents, opening opportunities for broader market expansion. Ms. Hương said the fairs also offered a chance to seek stable distribution partners, helping preserve traditional crafts and support sustainable livelihoods for family members and local workers.
The fair in Ia Ly Commune took place from December 12 to 14, featuring 44 booths from 30 businesses, cooperatives and production facilities. The Đak Đoa Commune fair followed from December 16 to 18, with 48 booths representing 34 participating units. Across both events, visitors were introduced to a wide range of specialty and OCOP products, including honey, cashew nuts, coffee, noodles, rice papers, fish sauce, processed seafood, essential oils, brocade weaving products and local cuisine.
Local resident Trần Văn Kiều said the fairs offered access to new and diverse processed foods, expressing hope that similar events would be held regularly to allow communities greater access to quality products.
Nguyễn Quang Đức, Vice Chairman of the Đak Đoa Commune People’s Committee, said this year’s fairs stood out for the participation of producers from former Bình Định province communes, showcasing agricultural goods, processed foods, OCOP items and traditional cuisine that reflect the cultural identity and working life of local ethnic communities. He said the events also enabled producers, particularly those from ethnic minority groups, to learn from one another, expand markets and gradually increase incomes.
Handicraft producers echoed this view. Ms. Mlơnh, a member of the Glar Agricultural and Brocade Weaving Cooperative in Đak Đoa Commune, said the cooperative’s handmade brocade products consistently receive strong support at such fairs. She said items ranging from handbags and wallets to shoes and sandals require skilled craftsmanship and considerable time, resulting in higher prices than mass-produced goods but offering distinctive designs and assured quality.
Beyond sales, participating businesses and cooperatives said the fairs provide valuable opportunities to exchange experience, refine production processes and improve product quality. They also help promote the value of traditional crafts, contributing to cultural preservation, sustainable livelihoods and the affirmation of ethnic identity in a modern context.
Nguyễn Thị Bích Thu, Director of the Center for Industrial Promotion and Trade Promotion under the Department of Industry and Trade, said the fairs were organised to create a practical platform for product display, connection and consumption. She said they play a key role in promoting the strengths of agricultural and specialty products from Gia Lai’s ethnic minority areas to consumers both within and beyond the province.
According to organisers, the fairs are expected to support economic restructuring in ethnic minority and mountainous regions, encourage entrepreneurship based on local potential, create jobs and help improve local incomes in a sustainable manner.