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Tag: affordable

  • Affordable Canadian Lobsters Conquer Vietnamese Market with Freshness and Flavor

    Affordable Canadian Lobsters Conquer Vietnamese Market with Freshness and Flavor

    Canadian lobsters are increasingly gaining favor among Vietnamese consumers, primarily due to their affordability compared to Australian lobsters and some local varieties. Hoa, a HCMC resident and a frequent seafood consumer, shared her recent preference for Canadian lobsters, citing their reasonable pricing, freshness, and high quality.

    Canadian Lobsters: A Budget-Friendly Option

    Seafood markets in HCMC offer Canadian lobsters, each weighing between 500 and 600 grams, at prices ranging from VND950,000 to VND1.1 million per kilogram (equivalent to US$36-42 per kilogram). Larger lobsters, weighing one kilogram or more, are priced around VND1.3-1.4 million per kilogram. These prices reflect a decrease of 5-10% compared to the previous year.

    In comparison, Australian lobsters are priced at VND3.5 million per kilogram, Vietnamese spiny lobsters near VND3 million, and local rock lobsters around VND1.5 million. The attractive pricing of Canadian lobsters has led to a surge in their imports. Data from Vietnam Customs indicates that Vietnam imported seafood worth approximately $34 million from Canada in the first seven months of the year, marking an increase of 42% compared to the same period last year. Lobsters accounted for almost 60-65% of this total import value.

    Rising Demand for Canadian Lobsters

    Canadian lobsters are not only gaining popularity due to their affordability, but also their versatility and accessibility. An increasing number of businesses, supermarkets, and online platforms are offering these lobsters, further widening their consumer base. Many restaurants and eateries now include Canadian lobsters in their seafood platters, making it possible for groups and families to enjoy lobsters without excessive expenditure.

    Tran Van Truong, CEO of seafood chain Hai San Hoang Gia, pinpoints price as a key factor driving the growing demand for Canadian lobsters. He reported a double-digit year-on-year increase in his company’s imports of Canadian lobsters for the first seven months of this year. Truong also highlighted the seasonal advantage of Canadian lobsters, which are abundantly available from July to September. While these lobsters may not match the quality of Vietnamese lobsters, they have a robust supply chain and exhibit good survival rates, ensuring minimal losses during transport and storage.

    Additional factors contributing to the lower prices of Canadian lobsters include import tariffs. Canadian lobsters that fulfill the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership requirements attract a 0% tariff when imported into Vietnam.

    Canada, the world’s largest lobster exporter, recorded the highest export of any fisheries items in 2025 at 79,380 tons of lobsters valued at $3.01 billion, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

    Questions & Answers

    Why are Canadian lobsters becoming popular in Vietnam?
    Their popularity is largely attributed to their affordability compared to other varieties. They’re also versatile and increasingly accessible through various outlets, including online platforms.

    What factors contribute to the lower price of Canadian lobsters?
    Factors include a robust supply chain, good survival rates which minimize losses during transport and storage, and a favorable import tariff of 0% when they meet the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership requirements.

    How does the quality of Canadian lobsters compare to other varieties?
    While the quality of Canadian lobsters may not match that of Vietnamese lobsters, they offer a satisfying taste and texture, making them a value-for-money choice among consumers.

  • Essilor Luxottica and Meta Unveil Affordable AI Glasses for the Masses

    Essilor Luxottica and Meta Unveil Affordable AI Glasses for the Masses

    Renowned eyewear manufacturer, Essilor Luxottica, has entered into a collaboration with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta for the creation of a more affordable range of AI glasses, targeting price-conscious customers. This move follows the successful release of AI glasses under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, with the Ray-Ban line becoming the top-selling AI glasses on the market.

    Creating Affordable AI Glasses

    The Essilor Luxottica range, priced from just $299, promises to bring the company’s innovation in smart eyewear to a wider audience, offering consumers around the globe enhanced and more integrated experiences. The CEO of Essilor Luxottica, Francesco Milleri, expressed his excitement at this cutting-edge development in the realm of smart eyewear. He asserted the launch provides an opportunity for budget-conscious consumers to experience the transformative effect of wearable tech in their daily lives.

    According to Milleri, Essilor Luxottica’s range of “iconic brands” have been instrumental in boosting the adoption of their products in the market. The company, a result of the 2018 merger of lens manufacturer Essilor and frames producer Luxottica, boasts a remarkable portfolio that includes global brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Oliver Peoples. In addition, they produce glasses for luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, Coach, and Armani.

    The Future of Eyewear

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was enthusiastic about the partnership with EssilorLuxottica, highlighting the aim to integrate potent AI into eyewear frames that consumers will want to wear. Zuckerberg suggested that glasses could become a primary medium for individuals to access personal superintelligence, and with the new Meta Glasses, this possibility could become a reality for a much broader audience.

    The new collection will initially offer three styles, coupled with a variety of lens options. Currently, the range is available online for customers in the US, Canada, and a select number of European countries, with plans to extend further into additional markets later in the year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the pricing for the new Essilor Luxottica AI glasses?
    The AI glasses will start retailing from $299.

    Who is Essilor Luxottica partnered with for this new venture?
    Essilor Luxottica is partnering with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta for the production of these glasses.

    Where are the new AI glasses currently available?
    They are available online for customers in the US, Canada, and select European countries.

  • Blume Debuts Affordable, Gut-Friendly Sodas at Woolworths: The Tasty Solution to Australia’s Fibre Deficiency

    Blume Debuts Affordable, Gut-Friendly Sodas at Woolworths: The Tasty Solution to Australia’s Fibre Deficiency

    Blume, an Australian brand known for its prebiotic beverages, has expanded its reach by launching its gut-friendly drink line in Woolworths stores across the nation. At only $3 per bottle, these drinks offer a healthier, high-fibre, and low-sugar alternative to traditional soft drinks.

    Flavours and Nutritional Benefits

    Blume’s product lineup consists of three flavours: Raspberry Lime, Mango, and Lemon Yuzu Ginger. Each bottle contains 6g of plant-based fibre, which Blume states accounts for over 20% of an adult’s recommended daily fibre intake. These beverages also contain approximately 90% less sugar than the average soft drink.

    Rachel Castelino, the founder of Blume, developed these drinks to address the prevalent fibre deficiency in Australia. Research has shown that about 72% of Australians do not meet the suggested daily fibre intake.

    Addressing Australia’s Fibre Deficiency

    Castelino believes that introducing Blume’s products into Woolworths stores will aid in mitigating Australia’s fibre deficiency while also reducing sugar consumption. “Our expansion into Woolworths will help achieve our goal of bridging Australia’s fibre deficiency gap and decreasing the sugar content in our diet,” she stated.

    Considering the current cost-of-living crisis, Castelino also emphasized that Blume aims to develop products that not only benefit consumers’ health but also their financial well-being. “We wanted to create something that genuinely makes people feel good, both in terms of their gut health and their wallet,” she added.

    Blume’s beverages are designed to enhance fibre consumption and reduce sugar intake, strategically positioning the brand at the intersection of health-focused and affordable beverage alternatives.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the mission of Blume’s beverages?
    The mission of Blume’s beverages is to address Australia’s fibre deficiency and reduce sugar consumption by providing a healthier alternative to traditional soft drinks.

    Why has Blume decided to launch its product line in Woolworths stores?
    Blume’s expansion into Woolworths stores is a strategic move aimed at increasing its product accessibility to consumers across Australia, thus helping to bridge the fibre deficiency gap in the country.

    What makes Blume’s drinks stand out from other soft drinks?
    Blume’s drinks are unique due to their high fibre content, low sugar levels, and affordability. Each bottle of Blume’s drink provides over 20% of an adult’s daily fibre needs and contains 90% less sugar than conventional soft drinks.

  • Overnight Race for Affordable Housing: Hanoi Residents Brave the Cold for a Shot at Social Accommodation”

    Overnight Race for Affordable Housing: Hanoi Residents Brave the Cold for a Shot at Social Accommodation”

    In a show of high demand for affordable housing in Hanoi, individuals queued overnight during the past weekend to submit their applications for the social housing project, Calyx Residence. With the limited quantity of 466 apartments available in the development, applicants arrived well before the submission start time at 8:30 am on Sunday, in hopes of securing their chance at purchasing a home.

    Braving the Cold for a Chance at a New Home

    Applicants prepared for a long wait, bringing along food and water to endure the overnight queue in Hanoi’s chilly weather that dipped to 18-19 degrees Celsius. Among those was Tuan, a freelance worker, who arrived as early as 11 pm on Saturday to secure his place in line. Reflecting on the experience, he noted that just a few minutes could have been the difference between his application being accepted or rejected, making the overnight wait a necessary hardship.

    By 6 am on Sunday, the queue had significantly grown. Bich, a resident of Phuc Thinh Commune, arrived at 7 am with her husband, only to find a considerably long line already formed. Despite the high demand that exceeded morning application numbers, those unable to submit their applications were allowed to register and apply the next day.

    Providing Comfort in the Wait

    The Ministry of National Defense’s 319 Corporation, the project developer, acknowledged the situation and provided amenities such as tarps for shelter, drinking water, and dry rations for the people waiting in line.

    The Calyx Residence project, which started construction late last year, is set on a 1.5-hectare plot. It will consist of four nine-story buildings and is projected to be completed by the end of 2026. The majority of the apartments, 419 units, will be sold directly, while 47 others will be subject to rent-to-own agreements. The prices range from VND824 million to VND1.5 billion, translating to approximately VND20.6 million per square meter, significantly less than Hanoi’s average apartment price of VND85.6 million per square meter.

    Rising Demand Meets Limited Supply

    Given the project’s prime location near Co Loa Road, a main artery in Dong Anh, and the rising prices of social housing, it is expected that the competition for securing an apartment in this development will be fierce.

    Despite the launch of several social housing projects in Hanoi, the market remains dominated by commercial developments. This has led to an increase in prices for social housing units, which have risen from VND20 million to VND25-29 million per square meter over the past three years.

    As part of a national plan to build at least one million social housing units, Hanoi is expected to contribute 56,200 units by 2030. The city has set a target to complete 4,670 units this year alone.

    Questions & Answers

    How many apartments are being built in the Calyx Residence project?
    There are 466 apartments being built in the Calyx Residence project.

    What measures were taken to accommodate the people waiting in line to submit their housing applications?
    The project developer, the Ministry of National Defense’s 319 Corporation, provided amenities such as tarps for shelter, drinking water, and dry rations for the people waiting in line.

    Who gets priority for purchasing the housing units?
    Priority is given to those who do not own a house, people in low-income groups, and employees of defense and security agencies.

  • Tesla Unveils Affordable Model Y And Model 3 Variants: High Performance Meets Budget-friendly

    Tesla Unveils Affordable Model Y And Model 3 Variants: High Performance Meets Budget-friendly

    Tesla has recently unveiled a new line-up of affordable versions of their popular Model Y and Model 3 vehicles. Going by the names of Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard, these models are designed to offer a more budget-friendly option for consumers, in an attempt to bolster sales and strengthen Tesla’s position in a highly competitive marketplace. These entry-level models are targeted at a wider demographic, aiming to appeal to those who may not have previously considered a Tesla due to the traditionally high price point. Alongside the introduction of these new models, Tesla has also rebranded the Long Range versions of these vehicles under the Premium label. Currently, these new models are only available in the US market.

    The Tesla Model Y Standard

    The Tesla Model Y Standard brings a few changes from its other variants, including the removal of the light bars seen on the front of the higher-end models. This new, more affordable version also features 18-inch wheels. While the panoramic sunroof that is a feature of the higher-end Model Y variants is absent from this model, the color options have also been limited to just three: white, black, and grey.

    This model lacks a few of the “luxury” features seen in its counterparts: the second-row screen, heated rear seats, and it comes with manual steering and side mirrors, as well as a 7-speaker setup instead of the 15-speaker unit seen on the other models.

    However, performance has not been compromised, with the new affordable Model Y variant powered by a 69.5kWh battery capable of producing 300hp and delivering a range of 517 km on a single charge.

    The Tesla Model 3 Standard

    The Tesla Model 3 Standard also features 18-inch wheels as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 19-inch set. This model comes in a standard grey color, with customers having the option to choose a black variant for a premium price.

    On the inside, this model lacks the rear touchscreen unit seen on other variants, but it does retain the panoramic sunroof found on the other Model 3 versions.

    This model shares most of its configuration with the Model Y Standard, including the same 69.5 kWh battery pack, which claims to deliver a range of 517 km. However, the new variant is slightly slower than the Model 3 Premium RWD, achieving 0-100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.

    Despite their reduced-priced cost and the omission of several sophisticated exterior and interior features, both the Model Y and Model 3 Standards retain Tesla’s core digital features, such as the 15.4-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot, and Sentry Mode, among others.

    The Model 3 Standard has now positioned itself as Tesla’s most affordable sedan, with a new price point of around USD 36,990, a drop of nearly USD 5,000 from its previous starting price. The new Model Y Standard is priced at USD 39,990 in the US market.

    Questions & Answers

    What key features have been changed in the new Tesla Model Y and Model 3 standard variants?
    Some luxury features have been removed or downgraded in these models to make them more affordable. These include removal of the light bars, panoramic sunroof and second-row screen in the Model Y Standard, and the rear touchscreen unit in the Model 3 Standard.

    What is the performance capability of the new cheaper variants?
    Both the Model Y and Model 3 standard variants are powered by a 69.5 kWh battery pack that can deliver a range of 517 km on a single charge. The Model 3 Standard can do 0-100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.

    Are the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 Standard models still equipped with Tesla’s basic digital features?
    Yes, despite their lower cost, both models still include key Tesla digital features, such as a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot, and Sentry Mode.