Two pilot pork outlets were opened at Tan My Market on June 9. Products sold through the platform carry a green responsibility tick, enabling consumers to access information on the meat's origin, transport and distribution through QR codes.
Under the model, pork is supplied directly from farms to retailers through the city's pork trading platform, reducing the number of intermediaries in the supply chain.
HCM City consumes around 13,000-14,000 pigs a day, with most supplies sourced from neighbouring provinces through multiple distribution channels that can increase costs.
Consumers visiting the new outlets on the first day used mobile phones to scan QR codes and verify product information.
Traders participating in the platform said buying directly from suppliers helped lower costs and improve product traceability. The model also allows retailers to order quantities based on daily demand.
According to the city's Department of Industry and Trade, pork sold through the platform is subject to quality controls covering farming, slaughtering, storage, transportation and food safety standards.
The department said results from the two pilot outlets would be assessed before the model is expanded to other traditional markets across the city.
Officials said the initiative could help traditional markets attract more customers by offering traceable pork products with quality standards comparable to those found in supermarkets.
The city plans to gradually roll out the model across its more than 400 traditional markets.