Vinamilk subsidiary Vilico and Japan’s multi-industry Sojitz Group officially began construction of the Vinabeef Tam Dao beef breeding and processing complex on March 8.

The complex is expected to come into operation in 2024, with beef processed by Japanese technology under the Vinabeef brand.

The complex is the first project implemented under a $500-million MoU signed by Vinamilk, Vilico, Sojitz, and northern Vinh Phuc province at the end of 2021 to develop beef breeding and processing using Japanese technology. It will cover 75.6 ha in Vinh Phuc’s Tam Dao district and consist of two main subdivisions: a beef cattle farm with a capacity of 10,000 heads, and a cool beef processing plant with a capacity of 30,000 heads a year or 10,000 tons of products a year.

“The successful implementation of this important project not only marks cooperation between leading corporations in the two countries and affirms the strategic vision of the investors and Vinamilk’s dynamism, creativity, and resilience in terms of its ability to participate more deeply in regional and global production and supply chains, but also elevates the sustainable, green, circular, and environmentally-friendly development of Vietnam’s high-tech livestock industry,” said Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto, Chairman of the Sojitz Corporation, said this is a key project for the group in Vietnam over at least the next five to ten years. “Evaluating Vietnam’s beef market, there is still a lot of space for development and demand for high-quality meat products,” he told the launch. “We believe the project will be a breakthrough in the market after coming into operation. Moreover, Vinamilk and Vilico are large, reputable partners with strengths in resources, and have experience in the livestock industry and operations and market knowledge, thereby accompanying and supporting each other in the implementation of the Vinabeef Tam Dao complex and many more projects in the future.”

“With the available strengths of project partners Vinamilk, Vilico, and Sojitz, and the support of the government and leaders of Vinh Phuc province, we believe that this will be a typical example of cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese businesses in the field of high-tech agriculture with a sustainable development orientation,” said Ms. Mai Kieu Lien, Member of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vinamilk, and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Vilico. “A safe and reputable Vinabeef brand will be created, with products of international quality, serving domestic and export markets.”