Portrait of the “Owner” of a 30-Store Rice Chain Covering 34 Provinces in Vietnam – Why Focus on the Domestic Market Instead of Exporting?

While Vietnam’s rice industry is often highlighted for its strong export activities to global markets, one local entrepreneur has chosen a different path: making significant investments in the domestic retail market through a professional rice store chain.

MR. TRAM DU – GENERAL DIRECTOR OF TD SOC TRANG ORGANIC RICE AGRICULTURE JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Who Is Behind the Nationwide Rice Store Chain?

Mr. Tram Du, General Director of TD Soc Trang Organic Rice Agriculture Joint Stock Company (based in An Ninh Commune, Can Tho City), is the founder and developer of a chain of 30 professional rice retail stores operating across 34 provinces and cities nationwide. All stores exclusively display and distribute rice products under the Gạo Ông Du (Mr. Du Rice) brand, sourced from a linked cultivation area of up to 1,000 hectares developed in collaboration with partner farmers.

Why Choose the Domestic Market Over Exporting?

When asked why he does not “enter the game” of rice exports—a sector known for its dynamism—Mr. Du shared several key reasons:

A Vast Domestic Market
With a population exceeding 100 million, Vietnam has a strong and growing demand for high-quality rice. Mr. Du believes this represents a strategic opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to develop sustainably, rather than competing directly in overseas markets.

High Export Costs and Complex Procedures
Large-scale rice exports require substantial investment in milling facilities, warehouses, and export licenses, with total capital often reaching hundreds of billions or even trillions of Vietnamese dong—an extremely high barrier for SMEs.

Risks in International Markets
Beyond strict import regulations, international markets are subject to volatility and intense competition. These factors pose significant risks for businesses without strong financial capacity and large-scale production systems.

Linked Cultivation of 1,000 Hectares of Rice in Can Tho City

Products and Business Model of the Rice Store Chain

Through his retail system, Mr. Du offers a wide range of premium rice products, including:

• ST25 – Vietnam’s internationally recognized premium rice

• Dai Thom 8, Jasmine

• Red and purple brown rice

• Fragrant rice, broken rice, and more

These products are not only available at Gạo Ông Du stores but are also distributed through major domestic supermarket chains such as Mega Market, GO!, Coopmart, Vissan, and Finelife.

Linking Growing Areas – Dual Benefits for Farmers and Businesses

The rice supplied to the store chain comes from high-quality cultivation zones established by Mr. Du in Can Tho City. This model delivers multiple benefits:

• Reduced input costs for farmers through support in seeds, fertilizers, and cultivation techniques

• Guaranteed purchasing at prices higher than market rates, helping farmers increase profits compared to selling to traditional traders

• A sustainable production–consumption partnership that minimizes market price risks for both farmers and the business