Theme: "Sustainability Through Inclusivity" Vietnam Pepper and Spice Outlook 2024 (VIPO 2024) was a significant gathering of over 264 delegates from 27 countries and 20 exhibitors, held at the prestigious InterContinental Hanoi West Lake in Vietnam. With a focus on sustainability, the event brought together key industry players, thought leaders, and experts to explore the future of the pepper and spice sectors. Key Highlights of VIPO 2024: 16 eminent speakers shared their insights on vital issues affecting the global spice industry, covering sustainability, market trends, regulatory changes, and more. Farm Visits: Delegates visited two key spice-growing regions in Vietnam: • Cassia farm in Yen Bai Province: showcasing the cultivation process and experiencing the bark peeling process of cassia. • Pepper farm in Dak Lak Province: providing firsthand insight into the practices and issues faced by local pepper farmers. Sustainability Focus: • Discussions centered around the importance of sustainable farming practices, including carbon sequestration, policy interventions for sustainable agriculture, and the impact of certifications like Rainforest Alliance on Vietnam's pepper industry. • Strategies for empowering farmers and making them central to sustainability efforts were emphasized, aiming for more inclusive solutions that go beyond traditional models. Regulatory and Market Insights: • Updates on emerging regulations in key markets like the US and EU. • Detailed reports on global crop forecasts, including Vietnam's pepper and cassia crops, and global spice demand impacting prices. The theme of "Sustainability Through Inclusivity" highlighted the critical need to support Vietnam's spice farmers, especially as many face challenges such as aging workforces, unpredictable weather, and volatile market prices. The goal was to develop a more inclusive approach to sustainability, focusing on empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term success.
