It was a golden New Year for cherries in Vietnam, in particular for Australia and New Zealand

17 Feb 2025
954

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approached, cherry prices skyrocketed, with imported varieties from New Zealand and Australia reaching nearly 2 million VND (79.7 USD / 74.5 EUR) per kilogram.

This represents a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.

Despite the significant price hike, demand remains high, especially for premium varieties from New Zealand and Australia.

Prices and Availability in Stores

At a fruit store on Le Van Sy Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, New Zealand cherries with a size of 32-34 mm are being sold for nearly 2 million VND per kilogram.

Smaller-sized cherries are priced between 900,000 and 1 million VND (35.9-39.9 USD / 33.5-37.2 EUR) per kilogram.

Similarly, Australian cherries, sold in the same price range, have been sold out since January 25, just days before the holiday.

Cherry Market

More Affordable Alternatives

Chilean cherries, a more affordable option priced between 200,000 and 250,000 VND (8-10 USD / 7.5-9.3 EUR) per kilogram, have also been ordered in large quantities.

The owner of a store on Quang Trung Street, in Go Vap District, reported that the premium cherry varieties were sold out several days ago.

Prices have increased by 20-35% compared to last year, depending on size and type.

High Demand for Tet

Cherries are a popular gift for Tet, especially the premium varieties.

Many customers have placed pre-orders weeks in advance to ensure availability during Tet,” the store owner stated.

The Lunar New Year break lasts nine days and begins on Saturday.

On online platforms, many stores have announced they are sold out, with some customers having to wait an additional 2-3 days for their orders due to import shipping delays.

Online Cherry Sales

Importation and Supply

Hanh, a fruit trader specializing in Australian imports, explained that January 26 was the last day she accepted orders for air-shipped cherries.

However, demand has been so high that traders like her have had to source from more remote markets to find fresh and high-quality products.

Freshness is key for cherries. I selected the most recent products for my customers, but prices are higher,” Hanh stated.

A 2 kg package of cherries with a 30-32 mm size costs around 1.5-1.6 million VND (59.8-63.8 USD / 55.9-59.7 EUR).

Supermarket Stock

Hundreds of tons of Chilean cherries have been imported by supermarkets to meet Tet shopping demand, with a consumption rate reaching 80%.

Supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City continue to restock as the holiday approaches, which lasts nine days until February 2.

Currently, the market offers imported cherries from Canada, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand in various sizes.

This year, organic cherries are also available—a limited and highly sought-after variety.

Cherry Supermarket Stock

Causes of the Price Increase

The increase in cherry prices this year is due to a reduced supply and an increase in demand.

Australian cherries sold out quickly because production in the country has declined, with many farmers reducing cultivated land.

U.S. cherries, which usually compete with Australian and New Zealand varieties, have been out of season since the end of last year, further contributing to the price surge.

Source: VnExpress

Photos: Cherry Times


Cherry Times - All rights reserved.

What to read next

Bumblebees and pollination, wildflower strips help preserve habitat

Tech management

03 Feb 2025

Bumblebees play a key role in the pollination service, particularly during rainy or particularly cold periods. For this function they were one of the focuses of the 2025 edition of ‘Stone Fruit Day’, organised by Washington State University, on 22 January.

Managing nutrient deficiencies in crops on calcareous soils

Tech management

06 Sep 2024

Depending on the severity of the deficiency, these nutrient deficiencies can reduce yield and fruit size. Severe deficiency can lead to the drying of shoots and even the death of the tree. Visual deficiency symptoms are similar for iron, zinc, and manganese.

In evidenza

Sour cherry harvest hits historic low: prices rise and stocks deplete

Production

23 Jun 2025

Hungary's 2025 sour cherry harvest plummets to just 35,000 tons following devastating spring frosts. With key growing regions severely impacted and processing industry stocks nearly depleted, the market faces significant price hikes and widespread supply shortages across Europe.

Chile’s cherry sector goes organic: biocontrol, bioinputs and a sustainable future

Tech management

23 Jun 2025

Chile’s cherry industry is turning organic. Growers and experts adopt bioinputs, biocontrol and field validation to meet global demands and reduce environmental impact. Between El Niño cycles and climate stress, biological tools are shaping the orchard of tomorrow.

Tag Popolari