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) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first six months of 2026 indicate that Vietnam’s tilapia industry is entering a new phase of development, with strong export growth but also greater demands for production scale, quality and international competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition, will officially take place from 19–21 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest annual seafood trade event, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietfish 2026 will once again bring together leading seafood companies, industry experts, and international partners from across the global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.1 billion in July 2026, up 4.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative exports in the first seven months of the year totaled nearly USD 6.86 billion, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Exceeding the USD 1 billion mark in July further reinforces the prospect that Vietnam’s seafood exports could surpass USD 12 billion in 2026. However, the July figures also send a clear signal that the most favorable growth period may have passed: overall export growth slowed to just 4.8%, pangasius exports fell 6.1%, tuna exports were virtually flat, while exports to the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East all recorded double-digit declines.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
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