VOV.VN – Vietnamese startup Cà Mèn has officially signed an exclusive distribution agreement with LNS International Corporation to export Quảng Trị’s specialty cháo cá lóc (snakehead fish porridge) to the United States.
The deal, signed on June 13, marks the first time the dish has been exported through official channels, with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification already granted. Under the agreement, LNS will distribute Cà Mèn’s snakehead fish porridge and other packaged products in the U.S. market.
From now until 2026, Cà Mèn expects to ship 4–5 million units annually via sea freight.
Founded in 2015 by Nguyễn Đức Nhật Thuận, Cà Mèn has become known for bringing the distinctive flavors of Quảng Trị cuisine to broader audiences. Its menu includes regional favorites such as bánh ướt Phương Lang (steamed rice rolls), cháo cá lóc (snakehead fish porridge), cháo vịt (duck porridge), gỏi gà rau răm (chicken salad with Vietnamese coriander), and bún lươn (eel noodles).
“This is the first Quảng Trị specialty to be packaged and exported to demanding markets like the U.S., Australia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan,” Thuận said. “It’s a positive signal for Vietnamese startups navigating a challenging economic environment.”
