An electronic RFID tag affixed to one of the ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees
This initiative lays the groundwork for completing the traceability system and issuing a “digital passport” for each finished product.
Vietnam Anti-Counterfeiting Technology Joint Stock Company (ACTIV) recently signed a cooperation agreement with Nui Den Medicinal Tea Joint Stock Company to provide the TrueData platform - a product traceability solution using RFID chip technology - for the tagging of 100 ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees aged between 200 and 500 years.
Over the course of two days (October 27–28), identification tags were attached to the ancient trees in the Nui Den area of Dan Khao village, Thuong Son Commune. These include 10 trees aged 200 years, 50 trees aged 300 years, 25 trees aged 400 years, and 15 trees aged 500 years. This area was historically part of Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang, and is now under Dan Khao village, Thuong Son Commune, Tuyen Quang Province.
Featuring the TrueData platform, which integrates RFID, AI, and blockchain technologies, the project marks a breakthrough in product traceability and underscores the commitment to advancing Vietnam’s agricultural digital transformation.
The project to identify 100 ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees and trace their products aims to conserve the valuable genetic resources of the Northwest tea region while setting the foundation for the digital transformation of Vietnam’s tea industry. Assigning a “digital passport” to each tea tree enhances transparency, protects producers’ interests, strengthens brand value, and opens pathways into high-standard markets such as Japan, the European Union (EU), and the United States.
The project is expected to become a model for applying high technology to conserve and develop indigenous resources, contributing to a sustainable value chain for ancient Shan Tuyet tea - the pride of the Northwest mountains. It also helps promote cultural values and advances the goal of “Digitizing heritage - Elevating the value of Vietnamese agricultural products.”
The ancient Shan Tuyet tea region spans more than 1,000 hectares at an elevation of 800–2,000 meters, where mist lingers year-round. The climate is harsh, with intense cold and occasional frost. Yet these centuries-old trees continue to thrive, producing delicate buds that serve as the prized raw material for premium Shan Tuyet tea - embodying the deep flavors of the Northwest. Built on more than 20 years of research and preservation of Vietnamese tea culture, this brand has made a lasting impression on tea enthusiasts and earned high recognition from experts for its quality.
The tea buds are carefully selected from ancient Shan Tuyet trees on the high peaks of the Northwest. Leaves are hand-picked from trees centuries old, and the processing combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology - from meticulous manual steps such as withering and light rolling to shape the leaves, to advanced temperature and humidity control during fermentation and drying - to fully preserve the essence of each tea bud.
Nui Den Medicinal Tea, under the brand name Thien Son Van Long Medicinal Tea, has been selected to host tea ceremonies at numerous important national and international events. The Thien Son Van Long tea space has become a center of energy and connection, fostering excellent opportunities for trade and development. The brand has also been chosen by the Vietnam ASEAN Institute of Culture and Economy to support its tea ceremony courses for a community of enthusiasts interested in studying tea varieties and learning the art of brewing and appreciating tea.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
From a Vietnamese source on nhandanonline
