PGS Training on Organic Product Identification for Businesses

Training on organic product recognition at Soi Bien

The role of sales staff in organic recognition

Salespeople play an important role in educating consumers and helping them identify organic foods, which are now very common on the market. As the people who communicate product information directly to buyers, they need to understand the products thoroughly, answer customers' questions, and advise them on how to choose trustworthy products amid today's confusing mix of genuine and fake offerings.

Well aware of the crucial mission of a food provider, Soi Bien Trung Thuc Joint Stock Company, with its chain of 40 stores across Hanoi districts, which has been standing side by side with PGS Vietnam (Participatory Guarantee System) farmers over the past 10 years, organized a training session on organic production knowledge and how to identify organic products for its staff. On August 8, 2023, 25 core staff members of Soi Bien, including the Sales Director, legal officers, quality managers, regional managers, category managers, store managers, training department, market development, marketing, etc., of Soi Bien Trung Thuc Joint Stock Company participated in the training. Mrs. Tu Thi Tuyet Nhung – Head of the PGS Vietnam Coordination Committee, along with two officers from the PGS office and VOAA, came to share knowledge on standards, certification, and practical experience in identifying organic food.

The training session took place enthusiastically with sharp questions drawn from real-life situations at Soi Bien, perspectives on standards and certification, and ways to distinguish and think systematically about products labeled as "organic". With the shared information and knowledge aimed at helping commodity sectors find the right reliable sources of products, sales staff will be able to guide consumers on how to identify and choose products. By understanding the products and knowing how to explain and answer buyers' questions confidently and warmly, they will satisfy customers and build solid trust between consumers and businesses. When customers trust and use organic products, it creates motivation that encourages farmers to produce well.

Owning a chain of 40 safe food stores in Hanoi, Soi Bien has partnered with PGS farmers since its early days, sourcing and selling organic vegetables throughout its retail system. In 2023, Soi Bien held an event to express gratitude to PGS farmers, and is currently a prominent member of the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association.