Northern mountainous Son La province exported five tons of red-fleshed dragon fruits via official channels to Italy on June 21, the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) has reported.

Red-fleshed dragon fruit is currently one of eight production chains for sustainable fruit development in Thuan Chau district of the province.

There is some 50 ha of red-fleshed dragon fruit across the district, of which 44 ha are linked in chains. The total output is estimated at over 500 tons this year with an average selling price of VND30,000 - 35,000 ($1.2-1.4) per kg on domestic markets.

Thuan Chau district targets to earn VND325 billion ($12.77 million) from exporting the fruit this year.

It is expected to export 60 tons of the fruit to markets such as the UK, France, Russia, Italy and other EU countries, and Middle East countries.