FROM DAK LAK TO SOUTH KOREA: SIMEXCO EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIETNAMESE FINE ROBUSTA
On August 28, 2026, at the annual conference of the Korea Coffee Association (KCA), the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA), Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association (BMTCA), and Simexco DakLak signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Coffee Association (KCA), opening up broader opportunities to connect with the Korean market.
Within the conference, more than 200 representatives from the Korean coffee industry had great impression with the new perspective about the position of Vietnam Fine Robusta through a presentation delivered by Mr. Le Duc Huy, Chairman of the Members’ Council of Simexco DakLak and Vice Chairman of VICOFA.
Under the topic “The Future and Opportunities for Coffee Producers in the Face of Fine Robusta Development”, Mr. Le Duc Huy, Chairman of the Members’ Council of Simexco DakLak, emphasized that the Korean market offers significant room for Vietnamese coffee to enhance its value and strengthen its recognition.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Le Duc Huy affirmed:
“Fine Robusta is not a cheeper alternative to Arabica. It is a distinct product line with its own flavor, character and business potential.”
One testament to the quality potential of Fine Robusta is the coffee sample from Simexco DakLak previously scored 87.83 points, showcasing prominent fruity aromas, a pleasant sweetness, a balanced structure, distinctive fragrance, and a complex aftertaste. This coffee sample was also presented for direct tasting by experts and Korean guests at the event.
“Vietnam brings origin, production capabilities and Fine Robusta. Korea brings creativity, technology, and the ability to lead coffee culture. Together, we can open a new chapter for Fine Robusta in Korea, while creating new opportunities for Korean businesses in the Vietnamese market.” Mr. Huy shared.
According to the signed agreement, the two sides committed to cooperating in the following areas: exchanging technology, personnel, and equipment for training coffee experts; joint research and development; implementing educational programs related to the coffee industry; supporting and exchanging human resources; improving welfare for coffee workers; and promoting the development of the coffee industry and culture in Vietnam and South Korea.
The cooperation agreement between KCA and VICOFA, the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association, and Simexco DakLak not only creates additional export opportunities for Vietnamese coffee but also establishes a comprehensive platform for collaboration in technology, training, culture, trade, and investment.
Building on this foundation, the parties expect Vietnamese Fine Robusta to become more accessible to Korean coffee roasters, producers and consumers, while creating opportunities for Korean businesses to engage more deeply in Vietnam’s coffee value chain.
