Vietnam has considered Food Security, defined here as affordability and easy accessibility of food, a national priority for several decades. The government aims to further boost the current level of health and well-being among its population.
Despite the efforts taken, chronic malnutrition is still a major national concern, as Vietnam falls within the list of 34 countries that are facing this major issue. Currently, there are approximately 1.8 million children under the age of 5 in the country who suffer from chronic malnutrition, and could face the risk of stunted physical and mental development.
The recently completed South East Asia Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS II), which involved a sample of 14,000 children from the age of 6 months to 12 years old, in various ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam highlighted an important issue known as the ‘Triple Burden’ of Malnutrition. This is the coexistence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight/obesity.
The SEANUTS II study showed that Stunting & Anemia affect 10% & 24% of children respectively whereas Overweight & Obesity affect over 30% of children aged 7-12 years. The report also found that Calcium & Vitamin D deficiency are found in more than 70% of children aged 6 months to 12 years old in Vietnam. This Triple Burden, showing clear evidence of nutritional insecurity, makes it a matter of great importance to fill nutritional gaps with proper nutrition interventions and nutrition.
This is where dairy companies like FrieslandCampina, Danone, Vinamilk and Nestle need to come in to offer dairy products of high nutritional value yet affordable to support Vietnam’s national program as well as its concern over the issue of malnutrition.
It also signifies a dairy market where the growth potential is enormous taking into account its special needs and requirements to meet the population dietary needs.
Vietnam has even set a National Nutrition Strategy 2020-2030 and Vision 2045, whereby the country’s goal is that by 2045, every citizen will achieve its optimal nutritional security, and all nutrition-related non-communicable diseases are under total control.
Indeed, AFBR earlier projection that Vietnam is expected to be the fastest growing dairy market in the ASEAN region is truly not without basis. Earlier in 2021, Vietnam already imported up to US$12 billion of milk and dairy products into the country and this was expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% until 2030. There is tremendous growth potential as the per capita consumption of milk in the country is still low compared to its more developed neighbours. The country will continue to rely on imports of dairy products as domestic fresh milk production can only meet 50% of the domestic demand.
