In 2016, a young journalist named Vo Thi Minh Nga made a life-changing decision. After spending nearly a decade in the fast-paced city of Saigon working in journalism, she left it all behind. She returned to her rural hometown in Quang Nam, one of Vietnam’s most scenic provinces, known for its forest-covered hills and ethnic diversity. Her goal wasn’t just to escape city life; it was to help poor farming communities thrive by turning their traditional crops into modern, healthy food products.
With just 30 million VND in savings (a little over $1,200 USD), she started a small business in her home kitchen. That business became Bh.nong, a name inspired by the local culture and people. Today, Bh.nong is a recognized Vietnamese brand, featured on Shark Tank Vietnam, sold in supermarkets, and preparing to export globally. More importantly, Bh.nong is improving lives, especially for ethnic minority farmers and women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Let’s explore how this business grew from a dream to a nationwide success while staying true to its social mission.
From Journalist to Founder: Who Is Vo Thi Minh Nga?
Vo Thi Minh Nga was born and raised in Quang Nam, where she saw firsthand how hard it was for local farmers to earn a living. Like many ambitious students, she moved to Saigon in search of better job opportunities and became a journalist. She worked in the city for nearly 10 years, building a stable career and learning how to communicate stories clearly and powerfully.
But even with a good job and urban comforts, Nga felt something was missing. She wanted to create a business that not only made money but also supported the people in her hometown. In 2016, she returned to Quang Nam and began experimenting with brown rice products using traditional methods. She started with almost nothing: just a pan to roast rice, a few kilos of upland brown rice from local farmers, and her deep motivation to make a difference. With this humble beginning, Bh.nong was born.
A Social Enterprise With a Big Heart
Bh.nong isn’t a regular company. It’s a social enterprise, which means it is built not only to make profits but also to serve the community in meaningful ways. From day one, Nga focused on helping people, especially ethnic minority farmers and low-income women, through Bh.nong’s business model.
Instead of buying rice from large suppliers, Bh.nong sources it directly from small farmers in the mountain villages of Quang Nam. These farmers follow traditional methods passed down for generations. They don’t use harmful chemicals or pesticides, which keeps the rice clean and natural. Bh.nong pays fair prices for their products, giving them a stable and reliable income.
The company also provides jobs for local women, many of whom come from poor or difficult family situations. Inside Bh.nong’s factory, these women clean, package, and help produce the final products. Each of them earns a steady salary between 6 to 7 million VND per month, helping them take care of their families and live with dignity.
In addition, Bh.nong donates 1,000 VND for every product sold to a fund that supports orphans, the sick, and the elderly in the area. This model shows that a business can succeed and do good at the same time.
The Shark Tank Moment That Changed Everything
A major turning point in Bh.nong’s journey came when Nga appeared on Shark Tank Vietnam, Season 5, Episode 13. She entered the show with a calm, passionate pitch, asking for 3 billion VND in exchange for 10% of her company. She talked about her mission, her products, and how her work helps rural communities.
The Sharks were impressed. Two investors made offers. One of them, Shark Lien, matched her ask. Then, Shark Hung Anh, who is also from Quang Nam, made a bold move. He offered 5 billion VND for 20% equity. More importantly, he promised to help her with digital transformation, technology integration, and business development.
Nga accepted Shark Hung Anh’s offer because she believed that his support would go far beyond just money. His experience in running large businesses and using software systems would help Bh.nong grow faster and smarter.
After the show, the deal was officially finalized, which doesn’t always happen with Shark Tank deals. The new investment gave Bh.nong a post-money valuation of 30 billion VND (around $1.15 million USD). However, even more valuable than the money was the partnership and mentorship Nga received from Shark Hung Anh.
Bh.nong’s Healthy Food Products: What Makes Them Special?
Bh.nong started with just three items: brown rice tea, brown rice flour, and brown rice cakes. These were all made using traditional methods and local ingredients. Over time, the company listened to customers and began adding more healthy and natural products.
Now, Bh.nong offers a wide variety of nutritious foods, including sprouted brown rice milk, granola, turmeric powder, rice energy bars, and brown rice cereal powder. These products are designed to meet the growing demand for healthy, organic, and easy-to-digest foods in Vietnam and beyond.
One thing that makes Bh.nong’s products unique is the use of “sprouted” brown rice. Sprouting means the rice is soaked and slightly germinated under controlled conditions. This process boosts the levels of a nutrient called GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), which is good for brain function and reducing stress. It also helps release more vitamins like B1, B6, E, PP, and magnesium, and makes the rice easier to digest.
By combining traditional, chemical-free farming with modern food science, Bh.nong offers a unique value to customers looking for both taste and health benefits.
Certified Quality: Trusted by Vietnam and the World
To sell healthy food, trust is everything. That’s why Bh.nong works hard to meet strict food safety standards. The company’s production facility has received several important certifications, showing that their methods are clean, safe, and professional.
First, Bh.nong is certified under ISO 22000:2018, a global standard for food safety management. This ensures that every part of the production, from rice selection to packaging, follows strict safety rules. The company also follows the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), which checks for any risks in the food-making process and fixes them before products reach customers.
To prepare for export to the United States, Bh.nong also completed FDA registration, which is required for selling food in U.S. markets. This means their products meet international quality and safety rules.
In addition, two of Bh.nong’s products—turmeric powder and brown rice bars—have received OCOP 3-star certification in Vietnam. This is a national program that recognizes high-quality local products made in villages and rural areas.
Revenue Growth: From 30 Million VND to Millions
In just a few years, Bh.nong has turned a small personal investment into a multi-billion VND company. When Nga started the business in 2016, she had only 30 million VND. By 2021, Bh.nong had already reached 10 billion VND in revenue. This impressive growth came from strong community support and rising interest in healthy foods.
In 2022, Bh.nong expected to make between 14 to 15 billion VND. For 2023, the company aimed even higher, setting a goal of 30 to 40 billion VND. Looking to the future, Bh.nong projected 71 billion VND in revenue for 2024.
The company also has strong profit margins. In 2021, Bh.nong reported a 30% profit margin, which means it wasn’t just growing in size—it was doing so efficiently. In 2022, Nga expected a total profit of about 5 billion VND. Even with these profits, she continued to reinvest money into factory improvements, hiring new staff, and preparing for exports.
Where You Can Buy Bh.nong Products
Bh.nong has built a strong sales network across Vietnam. The company now works with over 200 distribution agents who help bring its products into more homes, stores, and cities.
You can find Bh.nong products in supermarkets and health shops in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Bh.nong also sells products through e-commerce platforms like Shopee, where customers can order easily from anywhere in the country.
Beyond Vietnam, Bh.nong is making clear moves toward international markets. The company has already registered its products with the FDA and is actively hiring export sales staff to handle business in countries like the U.S. and Japan.
Challenges Ahead: Staying True While Scaling Up
As Bh.nong grows, it must deal with new challenges. One issue is how to increase raw material supply while maintaining quality. Right now, Bh.nong uses only about 1/20 of the available upland rice in its region. That means there is a big chance to expand, but also a big need to manage the process well.
Another challenge is standing out in a busy market. Many other brands in Vietnam now sell brown rice and health foods, including well-known names like ST25, Vibigaba, Hoa Nắng, and Ecoba. Bh.nong needs to keep innovating while staying true to its roots.
Lastly, there is the challenge of marketing and visibility. Early on, Bh.nong depended mostly on word-of-mouth and social media. With Shark Hung Anh’s investment, the company has set aside 1 billion VND specifically for communication and marketing, which is now being used to build stronger branding, storytelling, and digital campaigns.
More Than a Brand: Bh.nong’s Lasting Impact
Bh.nong is not just about healthy food. It’s about sharing a culture, uplifting communities, and preserving traditions. The brand’s image, “Cô gái Bh.nong” (The Bh.nong Girl), represents not only Nga’s personal story but also the spirit of the land and people of Quang Nam.
Through its packaging, product names, and online content, Bh.nong tells the story of the ethnic minorities who grow the rice and the women who prepare the products. Customers feel like they are part of something meaningful when they buy Bh.nong’s goods. They’re not just eating better, they’re helping someone live better.
This deep connection with consumers is a big reason why Bh.nong continues to grow with strong loyalty and support.
Conclusion: Bh.nong Has Truly Taken Off
Bh.nong’s story is proof that a small idea with a big heart can grow into something powerful. From a tiny kitchen startup with 30 million VND to a business making tens of billions each year, Bh.nong shows how combining purpose, quality, and strategy can lead to success.
With Shark Hung Anh’s partnership, international certifications, and a clear focus on ethical growth, Bh.nong is on the path to becoming a global brand rooted in Vietnam’s culture. The journey isn’t just about rice; it’s about people, passion, and doing business the right way.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Bh.nong is a Vietnamese brown rice brand founded by a former journalist, Vo Thi Minh Nga, that rose to success after appearing on Shark Tank Vietnam. With support from Shark Hùng Anh, it scaled nationwide while empowering ethnic farmers and earning ISO and FDA certifications—turning a small rural idea into a thriving social enterprise.
FAQs
Is Bh.nong still in business in 2025?
Yes, Bh.nong is still actively growing in 2025. The company is expanding its product lines, exporting internationally, and aims to reach 71 billion VND in revenue.
Did Bh.nong get a deal on Shark Tank Vietnam?
Yes, Bh.nong secured a deal with Shark Hùng Anh on Shark Tank Vietnam Season 5. The final deal was 5 billion VND for 20% equity, supporting Bh.nong’s rural development mission.
Who is the founder of Bh.nong?
Bh.nong was founded by Vo Thi Minh Nga, a former journalist who returned to her rural hometown in Quảng Nam to build a brand around sprouted upland brown rice grown by ethnic minority farmers.
What does Bh.nong produce?
Bh.nong produces sprouted upland brown rice products such as tea, flour, baby porridge, and rice crackers. All products are chemical-free and certified under ISO and FDA standards.
Where can I buy Bh.nong products?
Bh.nong products are available at over 200 local distributors across Vietnam and online platforms like Tiki and Shopee. The company is also working on international export deals.
What makes Bh.nong different from other rice brands?
Bh.nong stands out by focusing on sprouted upland brown rice sourced from ethnic minority farmers. The company uses a social enterprise model, promoting sustainable farming and rural development.