The market heats up during the hot season.

Việt Nam•02/05/2024

In recent days, Hau Giang has been experiencing a peak heatwave, with temperatures sometimes reaching nearly 40°C. Amidst the scorching weather, the demand for cooling products has also surged to meet market needs.

Vegetables and fruits have increased in price by 5,000-10,000 VND/kg due to the high demand for cooling foods during the hot season.

According to surveys at traditional markets in the province, beverage stalls are busier than usual these days. This is especially true for quick drinks like sugarcane juice, herbal drinks, fresh coconut water, and fruit juices, due to their relatively affordable prices. Sugarcane juice and herbal drinks cost from 10,000-15,000 VND per glass, fruit juices range from 20,000-25,000 VND per glass, and fresh coconuts cost from 12,000-15,000 VND per fruit…

During hot weather, the prices of fresh, cooling foods also increase. Fresh lemons are the item with the sharpest price surge. About three months ago, lemons were priced at 20,000-22,000 VND/kg, but now the price has risen to 30,000 VND/kg. Furthermore, this item is currently in short supply. Business owners say that lemons will continue to be in high demand and their prices will continue to rise in the coming period.

Ms. Phuong, a vegetable vendor at Vinh Vien Market, Hamlet 11, Vinh Vien Town, Long My District, said: “Due to the prolonged hot weather, the demand for some cooling vegetables and fruits has increased compared to usual. Consumers often choose green vegetables to cook soups to cool down during the hot season, mainly centella, bitter melon, cucumber, etc. The daily sales volume is quite high, but we still ensure sufficient supply for consumers.”

Currently, the prices of vegetables are increasing by 5,000-10,000 VND/kg. For example, watercress is priced at around 50,000 VND/kg, bitter melon at around 25,000 VND/kg, and green beans at 30,000 VND/kg, an increase of 5,000 VND/kg. Other vegetables maintain average prices or have only slightly increased compared to before, such as cucumbers, gourds, and pumpkins. These are widely available at almost every stall, priced from 12,000-15,000 VND/kg. Many vendors say that the supply of vegetables is currently quite abundant, meeting daily demand, so prices haven't increased sharply yet. However, if the hot weather continues for an extended period, the supply may decrease.

Besides vegetables and root crops used in daily meals, housewives' fruit shopping habits have also changed significantly during the current hot season. According to fruit vendors, buyers now tend to choose garden fruits such as oranges, cantaloupes, and watermelons because they are cheaper and suitable for making refreshing drinks in the hot weather. Specifically, the price of oranges during the off-season is 10,000-12,000 VND/kg, while watermelons remain at around 8,000-10,000 VND/kg, Keo mangoes are about 20,000 VND/kg, various types of pomelos are priced from 50,000-60,000 VND/kg, tangerines are 50,000 VND/kg, longan is about 30,000 VND/kg, and plums range from 18,000-30,000 VND/kg depending on the variety…

These past few days, Ms. Danh Sa Na, residing in Hamlet 6, Vinh Vien A Commune, Long My District, has been very happy because her cantaloupe garden has sold well. Currently, traders are buying it at around 3,000 VND/kg, an increase of nearly 1,000 VND/kg compared to more than two months ago. Ms. Sa Na shared: “I weigh it at the garden and get 3,000 VND/kg, but at the market, people sell it for nearly 10,000 VND/kg. Most people buy it to make smoothies or mix it with sugar, milk, and ice to eat it cool, so the daily sales volume is high. Thanks to that, this season I earned a profit of about 2.5 million VND per hectare.”

While vegetables and fruits increase in price during the hot season, seafood prices remain stable. Specifically, freshwater fish such as snakehead fish and tilapia are priced at around 50,000 VND/kg, while catfish and tilapia are priced at 60,000 VND/kg. Stall owners say that supplies are scarce at the moment due to the hot weather and saltwater intrusion.

In addition, pork prices have also increased slightly, following other food items. Lean pork and pork belly are priced at around 95,000 VND/kg; pork leg ranges from 85,000-90,000 VND/kg; and pork ribs are priced at around 100,000 VND/kg. Live pigs are purchased by traders at the farm gate at prices ranging from 70,000-80,000 VND/kg, an increase of over 10,000 VND/kg.

Currently, the supply of food is quite abundant, so prices are not increasing too dramatically. However, if the intense heat persists, food, vegetables, and fruits are likely to become scarce.

While food prices are rising across the board, this is also the peak season for home appliances, refrigeration equipment, and cooling devices. Surveys at numerous supermarkets, electronics centers, and appliance stores throughout the province show that during this period, there is a significant increase in customers purchasing cooling equipment, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

Many supermarkets and large electronics centers are implementing various promotional programs and offers on refrigerators, air conditioners, and cooling equipment such as: free installation, an extra year of warranty, installment payment options, etc., to attract customers during this period.

Many electronics and home appliance stores report that sales have increased by 10-20% and remain stable. For air conditioners, customers are most interested in the price range of 8-10 million VND/product, with a capacity of 1-1.5 HP suitable for small rooms. Other important selection criteria include inverter technology (energy saving), odor removal, and compact size. In addition, various types of air coolers and evaporative coolers, available in a wide range of models and prices from 2-8 million VND, are also suitable and cost-effective options for small spaces compared to air conditioners.

During the hot season, the demand for refrigerators also increases, and many people choose this as the opportune time to buy a new one. Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, residing in Ward III, Vi Thanh City, said: “With this hot weather, my family's mini-refrigerator doesn't freeze up quickly enough. I also often buy food to store in the refrigerator during the hot season to avoid going out, so the small refrigerator doesn't meet my needs. Therefore, I bought a new 200-liter refrigerator for my family to preserve food for longer during this prolonged hot weather.”

Text and photos: MAI THANH

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