Taking advantage of the abundant, high-quality star anise available in the province, the Ban Quyen Trang Dinh Agricultural and Forestry Service Production Cooperative has successfully researched and processed various products from star anise, most notably star anise tea. This has helped increase the value of the star anise tree, bringing Lang Son’s specialty products to new markets, while also creating jobs and stable incomes for local people.
Speaking of Lang Son’s renowned agricultural specialties, one cannot forget star anise. In Lang Son, it is easy to see endless lush green forests of star anise covering hills and mountains. The tree has been cultivated in Lang Son for generations. Star anise is particularly rich in shikimic acid – an essential raw material for producing anti-influenza drugs – along with antioxidants and anethole, which provide antibacterial, antiviral, and cell-protective benefits. In addition, star anise helps relieve bloating, indigestion, intestinal cramps, and stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. Its natural fragrance also has calming effects, soothing the nervous system and reducing stress. Moreover, star anise has the ability to inhibit various bacteria and fungi, thereby boosting immunity and preventing disease.
Lan Ngoc star anise tea. Photo: Do Linh
In Lang Son, star anise is mainly harvested and sold raw, which has limited its economic value. To address this, many businesses and cooperatives in the province have explored ways to develop processed products from star anise. Among them, the Ban Quyen Trang Dinh Agricultural and Forestry Service Production Cooperative stands out.
Star anise tea proudly receives the “Coop Star Awards” in 2025, presented by the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance. Photo: Do Linh
According to Mrs. Tran Thi Thu Lan, Director of the Cooperative:
“In the past, we mainly purchased star anise in raw form from local farmers, which somehow helped them sell their produce. However, raw star anise did not bring high value. To address this, I tried to study and research in order to gradually process star anise into higher-value products. Afterwards, the Cooperative invested in production lines to process star anise, with star anise tea as our signature product. The entire production process is strictly controlled – from carefully selecting high-quality flowers with thick petals, uniform seeds and color to proper drying and fermentation techniques to retain natural flavor and nutrients. The flowers are then finely ground, impurities removed, and blended with other natural ingredients to produce star anise tea.”
Star anise tea on display at a supply chain fair in Italy. Photo: Do Linh
By focusing on quality improvement and promoting the product across multiple platforms, star anise tea has quickly gained market recognition. Over the past two years, the Cooperative has sold about 150,000 boxes of star anise tea annually, alongside other herbal products such as herbal pillows, herbal foot soaks, and aromatic herbal incense. With stable consumption, the Cooperative has been able to purchase raw materials from local farmers at higher and more stable prices compared to the market. Each year, it consumes more than 300 tons of fresh star anise and 113 tons of dried star anise. In 2024, the Cooperative’s revenue reached 2.5 billion VND, five times higher than in 2022. With steady and efficient operations, the Cooperative has created jobs for 25 members and workers, with an average monthly income of 8 million VND per person.
Thanks to these achievements in production and business, since 2023, the Ban Quyen Trang Dinh Agricultural and Forestry Service Production Cooperative has received numerous awards and certificates from various agencies and levels. Most recently, on April 11, 2025, it was honored as one of the Top 100 Outstanding Cooperatives nationwide, receiving the prestigious “Coop Star Awards” from the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance.
In the future, the Cooperative plans to further improve the quality of star anise tea and expand into other star anise–based products. Additionally, it will continue to strengthen promotion and trade activities to broaden its consumer market. This will not only increase the value of star anise products and those made from other herbals to a broader market but also improve the product’s value and raise incomes for star anise farmers in the province.
Do Linh
For individuals, organizations, or partners interested in exploring star anise tea, please contact: Ban Quyen Trang Dinh Agricultural and Forestry Service Production Cooperative
Address: Na Pai hamlet, Trang Dinh commune, Lang Son province
Contact: Mrs. Tran Thi Thu Lan
Phone: +84 969 113 655
