At noon on 6/8, the vegetable section at Co.op Mart Thang Loi (TP HCM) bustled with activity. Customers carefully selected bundles of vegetables bearing QR codes and the "responsibility green tick" label.

"This is my 4th time buying produce with this label. The vegetables are more tender after cooking, and the price is the same as regular produce. By scanning the code, I can easily trace the origin and feel confident about what I'm consuming," shared Hong Anh, 40, from Tay Thanh ward.

Not just at Co.op Mart, major retail chains like MM Mega Market and Bach Hoa Xanh have also seen a significant increase in sales of green tick products. Items meeting the "responsibility green tick" program standards are prominently displayed, offer transparent traceability, and occupy prime shelf space. "It's easy to check the origin of these products, so I choose them immediately," said Lan Anh from An Hoi Dong ward.

Customers scan QR codes to identify products with the "green tick". Photo: Thi Ha

Customers scan QR codes to identify products with the "green tick". Photo: Thi Ha

The "responsibility green tick" program, launched by the TP HCM Department of Industry and Trade, aims to enhance consumer trust and confidence in products. Businesses whose products earn the green tick make clear commitments to quality, safety, and production processes.

After about 1.5 years (3/2024) of implementation, products with this label are increasingly favored by consumers. Vo Thi Bich Thuy, Senior Manager of the Saigon Co.op Business Department, reported that by the end of July 2025, the system had recorded 1,057 products from 99 suppliers participating in the program. In the first 7 months of the year, revenue from these products reached over 260 billion VND, a nearly 50% increase compared to the same period last year, with TP HCM contributing 203 billion VND, accounting for 80% of total revenue.

MM Mega Market has also recorded positive momentum. As of 31/7, 47 suppliers had registered, with 164 products approved. Notably, 100% of the vegetables from the main farming region in Da Lat have received the green tick, accounting for 75% of the vegetables supplied throughout the system. A representative of the system stated that the program has helped improve revenue for related product groups by about 20%, thanks to increased purchases.

Bach Hoa Xanh now requires 100% of new suppliers to participate in the program. "We want to ensure a level playing field and build strong consumer trust," said Nguyen Thanh Hai, Head of Quality at Bach Hoa Xanh. To date, 155 suppliers, representing 70% of total partners, have 551 products bearing the green label.

Not only retailers but also many suppliers recognize the program's practical value. The Hoa Thanh Agricultural Cooperative (Tien Giang) has implemented production processes according to green tick standards with the participation of 105 members. According to Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the cooperative, since joining the program, the cooperative's sales have nearly doubled. "Previously, the cooperative only sold 5-6 tons per day, now it has increased to nearly 9 tons thanks to consumers' increased confidence in labeled products," he said.

At Mekong Delta Foods, Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh stated that 60% of the company's core products have received the green tick certification. "We don't incur additional production costs, but we have to monitor the process more closely. It's our responsibility to consumers," she said. Currently, the company supplies 8 tons of vegetables daily and is expanding its growing areas in several southern provinces.

Oanh added that since joining the program, the company has tightened discipline in the production chain by increasing communication and requiring farmers to adhere to procedures. Violations are publicized, and those responsible are removed from the cooperative list. "There have been cases of intentional wrongdoing, but after having entire batches rejected, they felt immense pressure and were forced to change their work ethic," she explained.

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Deputy Director of TP HCM Department of Industry and Trade, inspects "green tick" labeled products at Bach Hoa Xanh on 6/8. Photo: Thi Ha

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Deputy Director of TP HCM Department of Industry and Trade, inspects "green tick" labeled products at Bach Hoa Xanh on 6/8. Photo: Thi Ha

According to businesses and suppliers, the green tick is not just a label but also an "implicit commitment" to quality, process, and production ethics. This explains why, amidst weather fluctuations or increased stockpiling, consumers still prioritize products with this label as a guarantee of safety for their families.

Dao Ha Trung, President of the TP HCM High-Tech Association, stated that the program has over 3,000 products and more than 330 participating suppliers. The program includes not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also processed products like mushrooms, vermicelli, and packaged foods.

According to Trung, the Department of Industry and Trade is expanding its oversight to processed goods, aiming to ensure not only safety but also quality—a key factor influencing consumer spending. The "green tick" system now incorporates blockchain technology to monitor and update any changes in product records, enabling distributors and consumers to trace origins, verify ingredients and quality, and detect fraud if any.

"Consumers cannot assess quality on their own. The responsibility for control lies with the state, suppliers, and distribution systems—those who have the resources to verify and disclose information transparently," Trung stated.

He also shared that the program operates transparently, with each blockchain QR code linked to the product's packaging image and specific information, helping to detect discrepancies if counterfeit labels or mislabeling occurs. Additionally, the system allows suppliers to promote their products and certifications, validated by multiple distribution systems, creating a "passport of honor" that helps expand market reach.

While official revenue figures for all participating systems are not yet available, Trung noted that some businesses reported sales increases of 25-50% after their products received the "green tick" certification. However, he also cautioned that building brand reputation and positioning takes time.

Thi Ha