In the heart of Ninh Binh province, the village of Yen Hoa, nestled in Yên Mô district, has gained recognition for its water celery—a crisp, sweet vegetable known for its exceptional taste and numerous health benefits. Recently, Yen Hoa’s water celery, rich in magnesium and containing zero cholesterol, received formal brand protection from Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Office. This certification marks a significant step in safeguarding its authenticity and enhancing its market presence.
On October 2, 2024, in a collaborative effort between the Ninh Binh Department of Science and Technology and the CIPTEK Intellectual Property Research Center, the “Rau cần Yên Hòa-Yên Mô” brand was officially registered. This milestone ensures that Yen Hoa’s water celery is legally protected against misrepresentation and unauthorized use of the brand, offering farmers a secure future in the marketplace.
For years, Yen Hoa’s water celery has been a staple at northern Vietnam’s agricultural markets, particularly in cities like Ninh Binh and neighboring provinces including Hòa Bình, Nam Định, and Nghệ An. The demand for this vegetable stems from its unique flavor profile, which sets it apart from varieties grown in other regions. It can be stir-fried, added to soups, or used in hotpot dishes, with each preparation highlighting its delicate taste and crisp texture.
The water celery’s journey to market has traditionally been simple. Many buyers, including traders at wholesale markets, would come directly to the farms to secure the freshest produce. Despite the product’s local fame, it lacked formal branding and packaging, limiting its expansion into larger retail chains and supermarkets. Now, with the certification of the “Rau cần Yên Hòa-Yên Mô” brand, the vegetable is poised to enter more formalized distribution channels, including supermarkets and specialized agricultural stores.
Yen Hoa village is home to 230 farming households dedicated to water celery cultivation, covering an area of 45 hectares. Farmers like Ms. Đoàn Thị Sáu have witnessed the ups and downs of the water celery market. She shares that depending on the season, the price per kilogram can vary significantly, ranging from 3,000 VND to 30,000 VND. “With this new brand certification, we now feel confident in expanding production and improving the quality of our crop, knowing that we can reach more customers at a higher price,” Ms. Sáu notes.
The market potential for Yen Hoa’s water celery is immense, given its health benefits. This vegetable is rich in magnesium, an essential mineral known to support muscle and nerve function, while its lack of cholesterol makes it a healthy choice for cardiovascular wellness. As consumers become more health-conscious, Yen Hoa’s water celery stands out as a versatile and nutritious option, aligning with modern dietary trends.
Yen Hoa’s water celery farmers are now looking toward sustainable growth. The protection of their brand not only safeguards their product’s reputation but also opens the door to higher profitability and increased investment in infrastructure. Mr. Đoàn Trung Nam, chairman of Yen Hoa, highlights the importance of this recognition: “We are no longer just selling a vegetable; we are selling a certified brand that reflects our dedication to quality. This will help us reach a broader market and build long-term success for our farmers.”
The certification of Yen Hoa’s water celery as an officially recognized brand is a game-changer for local farmers. With legal protection and increased consumer trust, the vegetable is now better positioned for market expansion. As Yen Hoa’s farmers capitalize on this momentum, their magnesium-rich, cholesterol-free water celery is set to become a staple in homes across northern Vietnam, and potentially beyond. With quality and sustainability at the forefront, Yen Hoa is ready to embrace a new era of agricultural success.
