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  • Chinese Cherries Delight Vietnamese Consumers, Priced Sweetly at $19 per Kilogram

    Chinese Cherries Delight Vietnamese Consumers, Priced Sweetly at $19 per Kilogram

    Thanh Loan recently indulged her taste buds in Ho Chi Minh City by purchasing 2 kilograms of premium Chinese cherries for nearly VND1.2 million. To her delight, these cherries were not only more affordable than their counterparts from the U.S. or Australia but also offered a significant quantity—two kilograms for the same price that would typically fetch just one.

    What swung her vote in favor of Chinese cherries? It was their meticulous greenhouse cultivation, devoid of chemical fertilizers or growth stimulants, ensuring a product that is both delicious and healthy. Vendors have recently introduced Chinese cherries as a striking new option on the Vietnamese fruit scene. These cherries, resembling their Australian cousins in size, boast a sweet flavor and a satisfyingly crispy texture.

    Fresh from Orchard to Table

    “They are harvested and air-freighted, arriving in Vietnam within one or two days, which helps maintain their freshness,” explains Han, a vendor in HCMC. However, due to limited supplies, her shop typically receives only a few dozen crates per shipment.

    Phuong, a representative of an import company in the city, mentions that they have acquired approximately 100 crates of these luscious fruits. “I always recommend storing them in the refrigerator and consuming them within a week since they contain no preservatives,” she adds, highlighting the cherries’ short shelf life.

    While these greenhouse cherries have begun to make their mark, a report from the Thu Duc Agricultural Wholesale Market reveals that they have not yet been officially imported, primarily due to low production levels that result in most of them being hand-carried into the country.

    The Cherry Story from China

    Yantai in Shandong Province holds the distinction of being the first region in China to pioneer greenhouse cherry cultivation. Cherries from this area are typically sold between CNY45 and CNY55 (about US$4.8–7.6). In contrast, cherries from Wafangdian in Dalian have reached a jaw-dropping CNY130 this year, marking them as the priciest cherries in China.

    China’s cherry cultivation spans over 1.5 million acres, reflecting a robust 12% increase from last year. Around 50,000 acres in Shandong are devoted to greenhouse cherries, contributing 100,000 tons, or a quarter of the nation’s total production.

    However, growers are grappling with soaring production costs. The construction of a single acre of greenhouse facilities in Shandong now costs about 150,000 yuan, a 12% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the daily wage for fruit pickers has surged to CNY200, representing a staggering 40% rise since 2020, and hinting at the ever-evolving landscape of fruit production.

    Who knew cherry troubles could be this complex? Next time you savor your cherries, think of the journey they took to reach your table!

    Questions & Answers

    **What are the benefits of choosing Chinese cherries?**
    Chinese cherries are cultivated in greenhouses without chemical fertilizers or growth stimulants, making them a healthier choice.

    Why are these cherries in limited supply?
    Their limited supply is due to ongoing low production levels, and most cherries are currently hand-carried into Vietnam.

    How do the prices of Chinese cherries compare to others?
    The price of Chinese cherries can provide better value, with 2 kilograms available for the same cost as just 1 kilogram of U.S. or Australian cherries.

  • Cherries imported from New Zealand, Australia rise 35% to $80 per kilo ahead of Tet

    Cherries imported from New Zealand, Australia rise 35% to $80 per kilo ahead of Tet

    As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, cherry prices have surged, with imported varieties from New Zealand and Australia reaching nearly VND2 million (US$79.7) per kilogram, 35% higher than the same period last year.

    Despite the sharp increase, demand remains high, especially for premium varieties from New Zealand and Australia.

    At a fruit shop on Le Van Sy Street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3, New Zealand cherries sized 32-34 mm are priced at nearly VND2 million per kilogram, while smaller-sized cherries cost between VND900,000 and VND1 million per kilogram.

    Similarly, Australian cherries, priced in the same range, have sold out since Jan. 25, just days before the holiday.

    Chilean cherries, a more affordable option at VND200,000-250,000 per kilogram, are also being ordered in bulk. The owner of a shop on Quang Trung Street in Go Vap District reported that premium cherry varieties sold out several days ago, with prices up 20-35% compared to last year, depending on size and type.

    “Cherries are a popular Tet gift, especially the premium lines. Many customers pre-ordered weeks in advance to ensure they have stock during Tet,” the shop owner said. The nine-day New Year break begins Saturday.

    On online platforms, many shops have announced sold-out stocks, with some customers waiting 2-3 extra days for their orders due to delayed import shipments.

    Hanh, a fruit trader specializing in Australian imports, shared that Jan. 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, high-quality goods.

    “The key to cherries is freshness. I’ve sourced the newest stock for my customers, but prices are higher,” Hanh said, noting that a 2-kg box of cherries sized 30-32 mm costs around VND1.5-1.6 million.

    Hundreds of tons of Chilean cherries have been imported by supermarkets to meet Tet shopping demand, with consumption reaching up to 80%. Supermarkets in HCMC continue to restock as the holiday, which lasts nine days until Feb. 2, draws near.

    The market currently offers cherries imported from Canada, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand in a range of sizes. Organic cherries, a limited and sought-after variety, are also available this year.

    Cherry prices have risen this year due to reduced supply and increased demand. Australian cherries sold out quickly as production in the country decreased, with many farmers scaling back planting areas.

    U.S. cherries, which typically compete with Australian and New Zealand varieties, have been out of season since late last year, further driving up prices.

  • Chilean cherries 10% costlier than last year on lower imports

    Chilean cherries 10% costlier than last year on lower imports

    The prices of Chilean cherries are 10% higher this year at VND600,000 (US$24.4) due to lower import volumes.

    Size 3JD cherries, which have a diameter of 30-32mm, are sold at VND599,000 per kilogram and VND580,000 if bought in bulk, at a fruit store on Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District.

    2JD cherries measuring 28-30mm cost VND569,000 and smaller ones sell at around VND250,000-300,000.

    In Hanoi too, large cherries are being sold at VND600,000.

    Smaller cherries cost less because they are of lower quality and prone to bruising.

    The prices are 5-10% higher than at the same time last year.

    The store manager on Phan Xich Long Street said: “This year’s supply is lower than previous years. Coupled with increased shipping costs, the prices are up 10%.”

    Last year Chile exported 800-1,000 tons of cherries to Vietnam, up 16% from the 688 tons in 2022, according to the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association.

    As a result their prices dropped to as low as VND200,000-300,000 last year.

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