Gia Lai now boasts more than 900 OCOP-certified products, including 92 rated four to five stars, ranging from food and beverages to medicinal herbs and handicrafts. Many have become “cultural ambassadors” of the Central Highlands, such as coffee, jar wine, honey, macadamia nuts, and dried beef.
Local women lead product innovation
In Đức Cơ District, Jrai woman Rơ Ô H’Rin from Trol Đeng village has created H’Rin Aromatic Grass Salt, blending chili, sea salt, and the fragrant Groach grass. Recognized as a three-star OCOP product in 2022, it sells for 40,000–50,000 VND (about $1.60–$2.00) per 100 grams. H’Rin sources ingredients locally and promotes her brand via fairs and e-commerce platforms.
Similarly, Nay H’Tó in Ayun Pa has elevated Jrai Ayun Pa Jar Wine, made with traditional forest yeast, into a three-star OCOP product in 2023. Since certification, her monthly sales have tripled to 200–300 jars as demand grows in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Cooperatives drive economic empowerment
The Kon Hà Nừng Cooperative in Đăk Rong commune, consisting mostly of Bahnar members, produces three-star OCOP items including macadamia kernels, oil, and honey. Fertile basalt soil enriches the flavor of local nuts, creating stable jobs in farming and processing.
In Tơ Tung commune, Tơ Tung Dried Bamboo Shoots has entered the Central Retail supermarket chain, while Đinh Thị Hái’s Brưng Scarf, a handwoven textile, has gained OCOP recognition for preserving Bahnar weaving traditions.
Meanwhile, in Ia Băng commune, the Glar Agricultural and Brocade Weaving Cooperative led by Mlốp gathers 30 Bahnar women to craft Glar Brocade Bags, a three-star OCOP brand. Each bag sells for around 350,000 VND ($14), with monthly production reaching 50–70 units.
Modern tools for traditional goods
According to Nguyễn Thị Bích Thu, Director of Gia Lai’s Center for Industrial and Trade Promotion, digitalization has accelerated OCOP growth. “More households are using e-payments and promoting products online, helping local goods reach broader markets,” she said.
The province is investing in websites, QR codes, barcodes, and blockchain-based traceability systems to enhance credibility and access export markets. Training in marketing, packaging, and brand management is also being expanded to improve competitiveness.
Blending heritage with economic growth
Officials encourage cooperatives to link OCOP products with community-based tourism to build Gia Lai’s image as a distinctive cultural and ecological destination.
Despite challenges in scale and design, the OCOP initiative is fostering entrepreneurship rooted in ethnic identity. From aromatic salts to woven scarves, each product tells a story of tradition, resilience, and the aspirations of Central Highlands communities.
“Each OCOP product should tell its own cultural story so that visitors can feel the soul of the ethnic group,” said Trần Thị Bích Ngọc, Tơ Tung commune’s officer.
As Gia Lai’s ethnic artisans innovate while honoring their roots, the OCOP program continues to transform humble forest treasures into symbols of pride, bridging the culture of Vietnam’s Central Highlands with the wider world.