Vietnamese lychees debut at leading US retail giant Costco

Vietnamese lychees debut at leading US retail giant Costco

Vietnam’s signature fruit, the lychee, has made its debut on the shelves of Costco, the largest retail chain in the United States, marking a milestone for the country’s agricultural exports.

In July 2025, the fruit became available at 635 Costco stores across the US and Canada, alongside other major retail outlets such as Safeway.

Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in San Francisco, US-based Dragonberry Produce, a top-tier importer of premium agricultural products, is spearheading the distribution of Bac Ninh lychees under the “Golden Lychees” brand as part of its third consecutive annual campaign to bring Vietnamese lychees to North America.

The fruit, grown according to Global G.A.P. standards, is praised for its vibrant red-pink hue, crisp texture, and delicately sweet flavour. It also meets stringent US phytosanitary regulations. After undergoing irradiation treatment in Vietnam, the lychees are shipped by sea to the US, ensuring freshness and quality upon arrival.

The presence of Vietnamese lychees in prestigious retail chains like Costco and Safeway reflects commercial success and demonstrates the rising global appeal of Vietnam’s premium agricultural offerings.

Dragonberry representatives noted that American consumers have shown growing appreciation for the distinctive flavour of Vietnamese lychees. The company emphasised its commitment to maintaining quality and building a sustainable brand in the international market.

Beyond trade, Dragonberry is collaborating directly with local cooperatives and enterprises in Vietnam to standardise cultivation, post-harvest handling, and packaging processes. These efforts are also laying the groundwork for expanding into other fruit categories, including longan, dragon fruit, and passion fruit, aiming to increase export volumes and promote sustainable development.

VIR