Information gap

On May 5, 2018, a video appeared on social media showing a man repeatedly pouring out bottles of cow's milk at a Vinamilk milk collection station. This video received significant attention from social media users and spread rapidly.

Dairy farmers in Nghe An are in the process of milking their cows. Photo: Viet Long.

From this, two opposing viewpoints emerged on social media: one criticizing Vinamilk, and the other defending it. The critics argued that Vinamilk prioritized profit above all else and was trying to exploit dairy farmers by purchasing their cows at low prices.

Meanwhile, the other group argues that Vinamilk's quality control of cow's milk, which it uses to determine the purchase price, is only natural. They point out that processed dairy products must have guaranteed quality ingredients, and consumer rights should be prioritized.

Because of the viral popularity of the video of the man pouring out cow's milk, and because Vinamilk is a giant in the dairy industry, many media outlets sent reporters to cover the story and publish the information.

Very quickly, on May 5th, the Nghe An Dairy Factory issued a press release. In it, the Nghe An Dairy Factory provided information on the milk purchase prices of several countries with developed dairy farming industries worldwide. Through this, they affirmed that the milk purchase price applied by Vinamilk to farmers in Nghe An is exceptionally high, and that farmers are even benefiting from Vinamilk's price subsidy policy.

In addition, the Nghe An Dairy Factory also reported that after the incident, representatives of Vinamilk Company met with, discussed, and explained to the man who poured the milk the reasons that affected the actual purchase price of the milk. The man understood the issue, resumed supplying the milk, and deleted the video.

This press release was published by many media outlets. And to date, the press release from the Nghe An Dairy Factory serves as the final blow to an event that caused a public uproar.

Nevertheless, many people are curious and want to understand the reasons why the man spilled the milk.

In reality, it is crucial to clarify this matter. Chasing after social media information and reporting without thorough investigation is irresponsible towards businesses, dairy farmers, and readers.

Vinamilk is one of the few Vietnamese companies that has successfully established its brand and built trust in the international market. Therefore, careful consideration and caution when writing about issues related to the Vinamilk brand is the responsibility of the press and media.

A family-owned dairy farm in Tan Ky district. Photo: Nhat Lan.

For dairy farmers, it's crucial to understand that this is a profession requiring significant investment in terms of money, intellect, and effort. Therefore, once they've chosen this career, few will give up halfway unless they face insurmountable obstacles. Meanwhile, dairy farmers in Nghe An province only have one relationship with Vinamilk Company for the milk they produce.

If there is conflict, and the company stops buying, the farmers will face having to abandon their profession. Therefore, it must have taken an extremely deep and pent-up frustration to erupt in such a way. Without a thorough investigation, and relying only on a press release, is that fair to the man who poured the milk, and to dairy farmers in Nghe An in general?

Furthermore, the milk market is diverse, with both domestic and imported milk producers. Therefore, it's also necessary to consider whether the man who poured the milk was exploited or manipulated.

Clearly, there are many issues surrounding the story of the man who spilled the milk that need clarification. Simply providing the video clip and the press release will create information gaps. This approach is ill-advised.

Nhat Lan