Artisanal Treasures from the Mekong Delta:

Foodo’s Journey to Bring Premium Mango Preserves to the World

When you think of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, you probably imagine endless waterways, lush fruit orchards, and markets buzzing with life. But tucked away in this vibrant region is a quiet revolution—one that’s turning local traditions into gourmet delights for tables across the globe. At the center of this story is Foodo, a brand that has transformed humble mango preserves into a premium product celebrated by both Vietnamese food lovers and international travelers.

Leading this effort is Nguyễn Phước Toàn, the dynamic business director whose passion for food innovation runs deep. Since joining Foodo in 2020, Toàn has made it his mission to share the Mekong Delta’s culinary treasures with the world. For him, it’s not just about selling a jar of jam—it’s about telling a story of tradition, sustainability, and quality.

The Magic of the Num Mango

The star of this story is the Num mango, a rare and cherished variety grown in the Vũng Liêm district of Vĩnh Long Province. In Vietnam, mangoes are abundant, but Num mangoes occupy a special place alongside the famous Hòa Lộc and Cát Chu varieties. What makes them so unique? It’s their short season and exceptional flavor. From April to June, these golden-skinned beauties ripen under the Mekong sun, developing a delicate balance of sweetness and tartness that makes them perfect for preserves.

Foodo recognized this potential and decided to craft its signature product around this prized fruit. Unlike mass-produced jams that rely on shortcuts like pectin and artificial flavors, Foodo sticks to an artisanal process. Each batch of mango preserve is slow-cooked with care, allowing the natural flavors to shine. The only additive? A splash of fresh lemon juice to enhance the taste and preserve the vibrant color.

The process is as meticulous as it is time-consuming. Workers stir the mango mixture constantly over low heat to prevent burning, ensuring the texture remains smooth and the flavor concentrated. Once cooked, the preserves are poured into sterilized glass jars and sealed to lock in freshness and prevent bacterial growth. This method not only maintains the fruit’s natural aroma and taste but also guarantees a shelf life of up to one year if stored properly.

A Taste Beyond Bread and Butter

For many, mango preserves might sound like something you spread on toast or swirl into yogurt—and while that’s true, in Vietnam, culinary creativity knows no bounds. Food enthusiasts have found inventive ways to incorporate Foodo’s preserves into both traditional and modern dishes. Imagine a spoonful added to a tangy sour soup, or a dollop stirred into a bubbling river crab hotpot for a tropical twist. Some even use it in baked goods—think mango-filled pastries or cakes that bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

The versatility of these preserves makes them a favorite not just for home cooks but also for chefs looking to surprise diners with unexpected flavor combinations. This adaptability has become one of Foodo’s strongest selling points.

Good for You, Good for the Planet

In a time when health and sustainability matter more than ever, Foodo’s preserves tick all the right boxes. Num mangoes have a naturally low glycemic index, making them suitable for people with diabetes or those mindful of their sugar intake. And because these mangoes thrive in the Mekong Delta’s climate, they require fewer resources to grow, making them an eco-friendly choice for conscious consumers.

This focus on health and sustainability adds another layer to Foodo’s story: it’s not just a brand making preserves; it’s a brand committed to doing things right for both people and the planet.

Affordable Luxury with Global Ambitions

One of Foodo’s proudest achievements is keeping its preserves affordable without sacrificing quality. A small jar sells for around 30,000 VND (a little over one U.S. dollar), while a large jar costs about 75,000 VND (roughly three U.S. dollars). For tourists, this makes the preserves an ideal souvenir—authentic, delicious, and easy to pack.

But Foodo isn’t stopping at local success. The brand has its eyes set on international markets, with France as a key target. Competing in Europe won’t be easy—there, artisanal jams typically cost around 95,000 VND (3.5 EUR) per jar. However, Foodo believes its handcrafted quality, authentic tropical flavors, and fair pricing can win over discerning consumers, especially those who appreciate exotic ingredients paired with traditional craftsmanship.

Safety First: Building Trust One Jar at a Time

Behind every delicious spoonful is Foodo’s unwavering commitment to food safety. The company holds HACCP certification, an internationally recognized standard that ensures hazards are identified and controlled at every stage of production. In addition, Foodo complies with stringent global regulations, including the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the European Union’s EFSA and UK FSA standards.

For Toàn, these certifications are not just paperwork—they are a promise. “We refuse to compromise on safety while sharing Southern Vietnam’s cuisine with the world,” he says with conviction. This dedication to quality and transparency strengthens Foodo’s reputation and builds trust with consumers both at home and abroad.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Foodo’s story is about more than mango preserves. It’s a story of how a local delicacy can evolve into a global product without losing its soul. By blending traditional methods with modern standards, the brand has created something that resonates with today’s consumers: authentic, healthy, sustainable, and safe.

Every jar tells the story of the Mekong Delta—its fertile soil, its hardworking farmers, and its rich culinary heritage. For Foodo, success is not measured only in sales but in smiles: the joy of a tourist discovering the taste of Vietnam for the first time, or a chef creating a new dish inspired by a jar of mango preserve.

As the brand expands its horizons, one thing is certain: Foodo is proof that when passion meets purpose, even the simplest of ingredients can become an artisanal treasure cherished around the world.