Tropical fruits are among the signature and high-value products of the Mekong Delta. However, they are also highly perishable, temperature-sensitive, and difficult to preserve over long periods. Cold drying technology is emerging as a promising trend to enhance product value and extend shelf life for this group of products.

Unlike conventional thermal drying, which can alter color and flavor, cold drying operates at low temperatures (below 40°C), using dry, cool air to remove moisture while maintaining the original taste, color, texture, and nutrients of the fruit. The result is high-quality dried products such as soft-dried mango, cold-dried jackfruit, crispy dried pineapple, and whole dried dragon fruit—suitable for premium domestic and international markets.

In provinces like Tiền Giang, Hậu Giang, and Cần Thơ, several startups and cooperatives have begun investing in small-scale cold drying systems to process local fruits. This allows them to preserve unsold harvests and avoid dumping produce during periods of market oversupply.

Moreover, cold-dried products have significant advantages in terms of transportation, packaging, and e-commerce distribution. Many of these products are already sold on international platforms like Amazon and Alibaba. This is a strategic path for enhancing the value of Mekong Delta agricultural products through deep processing and modern preservation technology.