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.
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.
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.
“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.
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).
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.
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
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