Building on this foundation, a new generation of young entrepreneurs – the “F2 generation” – is gradually asserting its role as successors, bringing innovation to the industry. As the pangasius value chain faces challenges such as shifting trade policies and environmental barriers, this new leadership brings fresh energy with flexible, modern thinking and a stronger orientation toward sustainability.
Many F2 leaders have studied abroad, gaining early exposure to global management practices and modern consumer trends. Their strategies go beyond boosting export volumes; they emphasize brand building, deep processing, and compliance with international standards such as ASC, BAP, and GlobalGAP – certifications increasingly valued by global consumers.
At Vietfish 2025 – the annual international seafood exhibition – the strong presence of these young entrepreneurs highlighted their growing role. They actively managed booths, introduced new products, and directly connected with importers from Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, showing confidence and international business acumen.
A clear highlight of the F2 strategy is product innovation. Alongside traditional frozen fillets, they are expanding into value-added products such as breaded pangasius, cut portions, canned products, surimi, and even by-product lines like fish oil, fishmeal, and functional foods. This not only enhances added value but also refreshes the image of pangasius in international markets.
The younger generation is also more dynamic in market expansion. In addition to traditional markets, they are actively targeting new destinations such as Brazil, Mexico, and Halal-certified Muslim markets, while leveraging modern distribution channels like retail and e-commerce.
Beyond business growth, the F2 generation also demonstrates social responsibility and environmental commitment. They invest in circular aquaculture technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and pay attention to worker welfare and farming communities. These practical steps reflect a sustainable development mindset – a crucial factor for maintaining and expanding pangasius’ presence in high-end markets.
The strong emergence of the F2 generation not only carries forward the achievements of their predecessors but also opens new directions, with the ambition of elevating Vietnamese pangasius into a symbol of “sustainable white protein” on the global seafood map. In a volatile trade environment, it is precisely the spirit of innovation and adaptability of this successor generation – alongside the legacy of the F1 pioneers – that will drive Vietnamese pangasius to overcome challenges and reach further in the future.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Lobster exports to China continued to surge in the first half of this year, putting the lobster industry on the verge of reaching an export value exceeding $1 billion.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) More than five years after the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) took effect, Vietnamese seafood is steadily expanding its market share in the United Kingdom, one of Europe’s major seafood import markets with stable and diverse consumer demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At Van Hung Commune, Khanh Hoa Province, the Khanh Hoa Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with the Northern Aquaculture Research Center and the Van Hung Public Service Center, organized a technical training course on the industrial-scale production of disease-free golden pompano (Trachinotus falcatus) seed for local marine fish farmers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports maintained a strong recovery in the first five months of 2026, reaching more than USD 302 million, up 17% compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was primarily driven by Asian markets, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China, while exports to the United States and the European Union continued to face headwinds from cautious consumer demand and increasingly stringent compliance requirements.
Vietnamese seafood giant Minh Phu Group has inaugurated a VND1.5 trillion (US$57.4 million) seafood processing plant in Ca Mau Province.
(vasep.com.vn) From 19–21 August 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme "Innovation – Sustainability", Vietfish 2026 continues to serve as Vietnam's flagship annual seafood event, bringing together seafood producers, exporters, importers, buyers, industry experts, government agencies, and stakeholders from across the domestic and global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in May 2026, reaching USD 14 million, up 18% compared with the same month last year. Cumulative export value for the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 62 million, representing a remarkable 101% increase over the same period in 2025, highlighting the sector’s strong recovery in international markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 367 million in the first five months of 2026, down 7% compared to the same period in 2025. While the decline is not yet severe, the more concerning issue is that pressure is mounting in key markets such as the United States and the European Union, just as ocean freight rates are rising sharply on long-haul routes. The current situation is therefore not merely about slower orders, but rather a clear restructuring phase for Vietnam’s tuna industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
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