Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in fruit and vegetable value chains in Vietnam

Stimulating nutritious diets features high on policy agendas, but designing effective interventions requires insights which are grounded in evidence and reflections on the food environment context and the needs of specific actors involved. This study focuses on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which play a key role in Fruit and Vegetable (FV) supply, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Understanding the barriers that specific types of MSMEs face in expanding their FV businesses is pivotal for improving the delivery of FV. The study surveyed 240 MSMEs involved in the FV value chains in the Moc Chau (rural) and Dong Anh (peri-urban) districts, including collectors, wholesalers, processors, and retailers. The survey, and complementing focus group discussions, documented the importance of FV trade in MSME business models, the willingness of MSMEs to expand their businesses, and their perceived barriers in doing so. Next, the study examined interfirm linkages and whether these are conducive to expanding FV trade. Finally, a review of national policies yielded an understanding of whether the barriers identified are actively being targeted by the government.