Export hub model opens new pathways for Vietnamese goods in Canada. (Photo: VNA)

Despite North America’s ongoing supply chain disruptions and a decline in Canada’s imports from major partners amid trade tensions with the US, Vietnam’s exports to Canada continued to grow strongly in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, reaching nearly 2 billion USD up over 13% year-on-year.

If this pace is maintained, Vietnam’s exports to Canada can surpass annual targets, supporting Vietnamese enterprises in expanding their footprint in this market.

In 2024, two-way trade between Vietnam and Canada reached over 11 billion USD, with Vietnam enjoying a trade surplus of nearly 10 billion USD. A key contributor to this success has been Vietnamese-Canadian businesses, notably Renso Foods.

Originating as a small venture in Vancouver, Renso Foods has grown into a major distributor with three main warehouses serving both the east and west coasts of Canada.

The company is now pursuing the ambitious goal of establishing "Renso Hub", a distribution centre based on the “hub-and-spoke” model to support Vietnamese enterprises.

According to Renso Foods’ Global Sales Director Faisal Rahman, the model could extend beyond North America to markets such as Australia and across Asia, serving as a gateway to global promotion for Vietnamese products.

Renso Foods CEO Linda Vu highlighted that while Vietnamese agricultural goods are of high quality and suit global tastes, they have yet to make a strong impression as distinct Vietnamese products on the international stage. The establishment of Renso Hub aims to change that by focusing on processed agricultural exports from Vietnam to North America and beyond.

Currently, Renso Foods imports over 100 Vietnamese products, many of which are co-branded with Vietnamese producers under the Renso label. This strategy, using a locally registered brand, ensures consistent quality control and market access, strengthening both the brand and the presence of Vietnamese goods in Canada.

Renso has trademarked its brand in over 46 countries and is actively involved in Canada’s food and beverage associations. According to East Coast Marketing Director Truong Cung Nghia, this branding strategy is key to ensuring product recognition and compliance with Canadian regulations.