What Are Dried Fruits? Standards & Processes to Meet International Export Requirements

Dried fruits are becoming a leading trend in both consumption and agricultural exports in Vietnam, thanks to their high nutritional value and long shelf life. However, to bring these products to international markets, businesses must meet a series of strict standards in terms of quality, processing, and certification. In this article, N F C, a pioneer in exporting high-quality dried fruits, will help you understand the key requirements, standards, and opportunities for expanding into global markets.

What are dried fruits?

Dried fruits are made by removing most of the water content from fresh fruits through processes such as cold drying, freeze-drying, or heat drying. This method preserves the fruit’s natural flavor, color, and nutritional value while significantly extending its shelf life.

Today, dried fruits have become one of Vietnam’s most popular agricultural products, especially in export markets, thanks to their convenience, durability, and alignment with healthy eating trends.

Why dried fruits are emphasized in exports

Vietnam’s advantage lies in its year-round abundance of tropical fruits—mangoes, jackfruits, bananas, dragon fruits, durians, and passion fruits, among others. However, international markets not only demand fresh fruits but also favor high-quality dried fruits because they:

• Are easy to preserve and transport long distances without spoilage.

• Fit modern consumers’ fast-paced lifestyles.

• Serve as natural ingredients in packaged and processed foods.

As a result, exporting dried fruits has become a strategic direction, adding economic value and enhancing the global image of Vietnamese agriculture.

Export standards for dried fruits

To export to major markets such as the EU, the U.S., Japan, or South Korea, dried fruit products must comply with a set of international standards, including:

• Food safety standards: HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, or FSSC 22000.

• Product quality standards: Moisture level, color, flavor, uniformity, and microbiological cleanliness.

• Traceability standards: Clear documentation of sourcing areas, production processes, and responsible entities.

These standards are not only mandatory but also demonstrate a company’s credibility and manufacturing capability on the international stage.

Quality requirements for export-grade dried fruits

A dried fruit product that meets export standards should ensure:

• Moisture content below 15% for extended shelf life.

• Natural color, free from burns, dark spots, or off-odors.

• No preservatives, artificial colors, or synthetic flavors.

• Retained nutritional value such as vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

• Microbiological safety: No mold, bacteria, or chemical residues beyond permitted levels.

Each batch must be tested by internationally accredited laboratories before customs clearance.

Packaging, labeling, and traceability requirements

Packaging and labeling play a vital role in exporting dried fruits.

• Packaging materials must be safe, airtight, moisture-proof, and suitable for long-term preservation.

• Labels must include product name, ingredients, production date, expiry date, origin, and traceability information.

• Each product should feature a QR code or digital traceability system for consumer and regulatory verification.

These are mandatory requirements for entry into tightly regulated markets like the EU and the U.S.

Legal, quarantine, and export certification requirements

Before exporting, companies must comply with the following:

• Phytosanitary Certification issued by authorized agencies.

• Product quality certification as required by the importing country.

• Certificate of Origin (C/O) to benefit from preferential tariffs under trade agreements.

• HACCP, ISO 22000, or GlobalG.A.P. certifications, depending on market requirements.

Meeting these legal and certification standards not only facilitates export approval but also strengthens brand reputation and opens doors for global partnerships.

Standard process for production, preservation, and export

A typical production and export process includes:

1. Selecting raw materials that meet VietGAP or GlobalG.A.P. standards.

2. Washing, processing, and cutting fruits into uniform slices.

3. Cold or freeze-drying to preserve flavor and nutrition.

4. Quality inspection for moisture, microbiological safety, and sensory evaluation.

5. Sterile, moisture-proof packaging.

6. Storage at controlled temperature and humidity.

7. Export logistics according to international contract regulations.

Strict compliance ensures that Vietnamese dried fruits maintain consistent quality and meet international standards.

Challenges and solutions for exporting dried fruits

Vietnamese businesses face several challenges:

• Limited advanced drying technology, leading to color loss and nutrient degradation.

• Unstable raw material supply due to seasonal factors.

• Difficulty in meeting the technical standards of demanding markets.

Solutions:

• Invest in modern cold-drying and freeze-drying equipment.

• Build partnerships with VietGAP/GlobalG.A.P.-certified farms.

• Strengthen traceability management and acquire international certifications.

These steps enable Vietnamese dried fruits to compete fairly with products from Thailand, the Philippines, and China.

N F C – A trusted manufacturer and exporter of premium dried fruits

N F C is a pioneer in the production and export of high-quality dried fruits. With its modern cold-drying technology, N F C ensures:

• Natural flavor and nutrition retention in every product.

• Customized production (OEM/ODM) tailored to each international partner.

• Compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000, and Halal certifications, meeting the export standards of Europe, the U.S., and Japan.

• Packaging and labeling designed to suit each target market.

N F C is committed to providing export-grade dried fruits that not only meet international standards but also highlight the authentic taste of Vietnamese produce.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s dried fruit industry presents great opportunities in the high-value agricultural export chain. Meeting international standards, investing in technology, and ensuring transparent traceability are the keys to global expansion.

With modern production capabilities and extensive export experience, N F C is a reliable partner for companies, distributors, and food brands seeking cooperation in the dried fruit export sector.

If you are looking for an OEM or ODM manufacturing partner, contact us today for detailed consultruitation tailored to your business needs.