News
Toward the 50th Anniversary of Antesco
Apr
Over the pass 50 years, An Giang Food and Vegetables Joint Stock Company (Antesco) has achieved significant milestones, making major contributions to both province’s overall development and Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exporting segment. As the company approaches its 50th anniversary (April 30th 1975 – April 30th 2025), a reporter from An Giang Newspaper conducted an interview with Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh, Chief Executive Officer of Antesco Company, to reflect on the company’s 50 years journey of growth and achievement.
.jpg)
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh – CEO
Reporter: Mr. Minh, could you please share with us the journey of the company’s formation and development since its establishment?
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh: In 1975, An Giang Agricultural Materials Company – the predecessor of Antesco – was officially established. In 1986, as Vietnam’s “Tam Nông” policy – focused on agriculture, farmers and rural development – began to take root, An Giang emerged as a rising force. Through the strategic consolidation of the three key agricultural units within the province, the Agricultural Materials Company was restructured into An Giang Agricultural Technology Services Company. To go far, innovation is essential. With that vision, Antesco sets its sights on going further and fully exploiting the abundant natural resources of Mekong Delta, the land of the Nine Dragons. Just two years after the unification, the company officially launched an export-oriented fruit and vegetable processing enterprise. In 1992, Antesco transitioned from a State-owned unit to a State-owned enterprise (SEO). In 1994, we established an agricultural products processing facility (now known as Binh Khanh factory) to experiment new vegetable and root crops varieties such as baby corn and edamame, for export. In 1995, Antesco officially exported its first shipment to Europe. In 1999, Antesco continued its expansion by investing in a second frozen plant in My An Commune.
2004 was a milestone year for Antesco, marked by several breakthroughs: For the first time, export volume exceeded 5,000 tons, reaching revenue of USD 4 million. That same year, we successfully developed a canned version of “Cá linh kho mía” (Braised Linh Fish with sugarcane) – a natural delicacy of the upper Mekong River, marketed under the Antesco brand, which quickly made an impact in both domestic and international markets. In 2008, the company invested in a by-product facility to convert fruit and vegetable peels into animal feed. The year 2011 marked an important turning point as Antesco transitioned from a state-owned enterprise to a joint-stock company. This strategic decision helped attract investment, enhance management capabilities and optimize financial efficiency, and lay the foundation for comprehensive operational improvements.
In 2015, the company officially launched the Binh Long factory, which was built to meet international standards and equipped with cutting-edge European production systems, with an annual capacity of up to 12,000 tons. In 2016, the company officially became a publicly listed company and began trading on the UPCOM stock exchange, enhancing its brand presence in the financial market. Since its equitization, Antesco has undergone an impressive transformation. In 2022, the company invested USD 5 million to expand the My An factory.
In 2023, the company launched operations at the B’Laofood factory in Lam Dong Province, with an investment exceeding USD 10 million. This facility specializes in processing frozen fruits and pre-processing and packaging fresh vegetables and fruits for export. Remarkably, in 2024, Antesco reached a historic milestone, with revenue exceeding VND 1,400 billion, affirming its position as a leading brand with a presence in over 40 countries worldwide. In 2025, as Antesco celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company takes this opportunity to reflect on its journey and express gratitude to those who have accompanied and supported it over the past five decades.
Reporter: How has Antesco solidified its position after 50 years of operation, Mr. Minh?
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh: As we reach the half a century mark, we proudly reflect on the solid and pioneering path we’ve forged in the field of agricultural processing and export. With four international certified factories – Binh Khanh, My An, Binh Long, B’Laofood – every Antesco product is the result of advanced technology, precision and dedication. Over 100,000 tons of materials are produced and exported to more than 40 countries and territories annually. These figures are not only an achievement, but also a strong statement regarding our position as one of the leading exporters of fruits and vegetables in Vietnam.
Reporter: Over the past 50 years, Antesco has established itself as a leader in the processed agricultural sector, what has been the guiding principle behind the success, Mr. Minh?
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh: “Quality is reputation – the key to Growth and Sustainability” has always been the core philosophy of our company over the past 50 years. To bring this vision to life, we have implemented a comprehensive strategy including the establishment of stable cultivation areas. I personally visit these areas to optimize processes and persuade farmers to collaborate in ensuring high-quality raw materials. We also invest in cutting-edge technology and automation, while strictly adhering to international standards. Thanks to these continuous efforts, we have gradually enhanced our competitiveness and solidified our leadership across several product lines. For instance, in baby corn segment, Vietnam has surpassed Thailand to become the top supplier. In edamame (green soybean) sector, Antesco has advanced from the same status as Indonesia to being on par with Taiwan – one of the world’s leaders in edamame production, both in quality and volume. Particularly in the frozen mango segment, when Peru encountered seasonal challenges, we swiftly capitalized on the opportunity to become the world’s leading exporter. These accomplishments are a testament to Antesco’s relentless efforts to enhance product quality and strengthen brand reputation, earning the trust of both domestic and international customers and partners.
Reporter: As we approach Antesco’s 50th anniversary, do you have any thoughts you’d like to share with us, Mr. Minh?
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh: Since its establishment, marked by many challenges, Antesco began its journey with a bold ambition: to elevate Vietnam’s agricultural products and bring our brand to the global stage. Now, after half a century, Antesco proudly reflects on the sustainable footprints we have made as a pioneer in processing and exporting of agricultural products.
Antesco success is a harmonious blend of past and present – the visionary leadership of its founders, and the sense of responsibility and exceptional capability of today’s generation. Throughout its development, Antesco has consistently committed to the principle of “Three Benefits”: fostering prosperity for the nation, enterprises, and all stakeholders within the value chain. On the occasion of our 50th anniversary, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Antesco’s leadership, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to all our shareholders, farmers, cooperatives, customers, partners, the Party Committee, An Giang’s government and former company leaders throughout various periods for their ongoing support and companionship. Special thanks to the company’s leadership team and all Antesco employees for their unwavering dedication and contributions, which have enabled the company to grow strong and sustainably.
Reporter: Thank you very much sir!
Source: HANH CHAU (Interviewer)
