F.I.T Group is in a jubilant atmosphere as it prepares to celebrate its 18th anniversary with the theme “Continuing the Essence – Elevating Our Position.” On this proud 18-year journey, we had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet – Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors – to hear her heartfelt reflections on the journey of enhancing the quality of life.
What is the most memorable moment when founding F.I.T Group on March 8, 2007?
It was an afternoon in January 2007 when we had a gathering with ten friends to reflect on past deals. Most of them were colleagues and friends who had been working together for over a decade. So, when Chairman Nguyen Van Sang proposed establishing a company and assessed, “This is a great opportunity for all of us,” everyone immediately agreed. That gathering could be considered the first unofficial shareholders’ meeting of F.I.T Group.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet – Vice Chairman of Board of Directors of F.I.T Group
In your opinion, what created the strong unity from the very first days?
“Together we can change the world”
Our bond was built on mutual respect, absolute trust, transparency, and clearly defined roles based on each person’s strengths. We had been colleagues at Shell for nearly ten years, all working in the sales team, so we understood each other well. Each of us had a role to play and took responsibility for our tasks: I managed finance, accounting, and human resources, while Chairman Sang sought out deals. Back then, our structure was simple and lean yet highly effective!
Over the past 17 years, what are the most remarkable achievements of F.I.T Group that make you proud?
Looking back on the past 17 years, we have accomplished extraordinary things that I once thought were impossible. The first major achievement is the establishment of a strong F.I.T Group, overcoming all market fluctuations to become a multi-billion-dollar corporation, owning well-known subsidiaries in high-growth industries such as Cuu Long Pharmaceutical, Danh Thanh – Vikoda, and Westfood.
The second achievement is building a structured operational system, scientific management, and a professional team with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership.
The third remarkable feat is breaking through all limitations. When we started from zero, setting an initial target of VND 80 billion seemed like an impossible mission. Then came the goal of VND 200 billion and listing on the stock exchange—another ambitious dream. Over eight consecutive years, we continuously raised capital, both at the parent company and subsidiary levels, until F.I.T Group reached nearly VND 6,000 billion in equity today—a truly monumental effort.
And finally, the most valuable achievement is inspiring young people to dream big and take great actions, aiming to transform F.I.T Group and its subsidiaries into world-class companies. Looking back at our 17-year journey, we have faced many hardships and challenges, but also great glory, leaving behind countless lessons and stories for future generations.
Westfood plays a crucial role in F.I.T Group. Can you share the innovations and major developments of Westfood under your leadership?
I officially took over Westfood in October 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic when strict lockdowns were in place, and factories operated under the “three-on-site” model. When restrictions eased in 2022, the company resumed operations amid numerous challenges, especially in human resources, with nearly 80% of senior staff being replaced. However, challenges also brought opportunities, allowing Westfood to restructure and establish a team with higher creativity, innovation, responsibility, and ownership.
Now, every department at Westfood is fully committed to its KPIs and works towards shared goals. More importantly, collaboration and teamwork have become integral to the culture—sales teams even share clients if it benefits the company.
Our production facilities and equipment have been continuously upgraded. If you visit the Westfood factory today, you will see a remarkable transformation compared to pre-2021. The years 2022 and 2023 set the foundation for significant growth in 2024. In 2024, Westfood made significant strides, achieving its highest-ever revenue of over VND 400 billion, with a profit margin exceeding 10%.
Another great milestone is the near completion of the Westfood Hau Giang Factory, one of the largest agricultural processing plants in the Mekong Delta. It is a proud moment to create jobs for thousands of workers and provide opportunities for farmers to grow alongside Westfood.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet welcomed the Can Tho City Party Committee delegation to visit and work at the Westfood Factory
As the Chairman of Westfood, can you share the company’s key goals for 2025 and beyond?
Westfood aims to become Vietnam’s leading food processing company, enhancing consumer health through fresh, nutritious, safe, and convenient products with outstanding service.
To achieve this, we have set clear targets for 2025: Revenue of VND 586 billion, a 40% increase from 2024; EBITDA of VND 92 billion, a 40% increase from 2024; A long-term goal of VND 1,000 billion in revenue by 2030
With a focus on sustainable development, Westfood will proactively secure raw material sources, particularly MD2 pineapples, alongside other key ingredients such as lotus seeds, papaya, corn, and mango,ect.
In addition to its core products like IQF, canned goods, cup packaging, fresh fruit, and coconut jelly, Westfood aspires to establish its brand as a globally recognized name. We hope that one day, wherever you travel, you will feel a sense of warmth and familiarity when you see Westfood, Fruitmoji, and our new product lines.
In your opinion, what will be the key to Westfood’s continued success in the future?
The secret lies in three principles: people at the core, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our goals.
If you were to send a message to all F.I.T Group employees at the beginning of 2025, what would you say to spread the spirit of “United to Go Further”?
I would like to borrow a quote from How the Steel Was Tempered by Pavel Korchagin: “A person only lives once, so live in such a way that you will not regret wasted years!”. Give it your all, work hard, and play with all your heart. Be the guiding torch, just like Danco’s spirit, to lead yourself and your team toward new lands filled with happiness and peace!
