Due to raw material shortages near Tet (Lunar New Year), dried seafood prices in the Mekong Delta are fluctuating sharply.

With less than a month until Tet (Lunar New Year), the market for dried seafood in the Mekong Delta, especially in Kien Giang province, is experiencing a sharp price increase due to a shortage of fish and shrimp.

Shrimp shortages are caused by people rushing to plant rice, leading to a sharp increase in shrimp prices - Photo: BUU DAU

In Van Khanh commune, An Minh district, the atmosphere of drying is busier than ever. Households are busy producing and preparing goods to meet the increased demand during the Lunar New Year.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Hue, who has over 8 years of experience in making dried seafood, said that the Tet holiday is the time of year when she produces the most dried seafood. Normally, her facility only sells about 200kg of dried seafood per month, but during Tet, this number increases to 700kg, bringing in significant profits.

However, this year's catch has decreased sharply due to the impact of the weather. The scarcity of marine fish has caused the price of dried fish to increase by 10,000 - 30,000 VND/kg compared to last year. Popular dried fish varieties such as dried scad, barracuda, grouper, catfish, and yellowfin tuna are all fluctuating between 130,000 - 160,000 VND/kg.

In particular, fresh catfish is almost no longer available locally, forcing production facilities to import raw materials from neighboring provinces.

In Giồng Riềng district, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhanh is also busy with her dried freshwater fish production facility. Products such as dried eel, snakehead fish, and dried frog are popular with customers, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Currently, the price of dried snakehead fish is up to 550,000 VND/kg, dried catfish is 380,000 VND/kg, and dried spiny-headed snakehead fish is 250,000 - 270,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Nhanh shared that the price of dried fish usually increases sharply before Tet (Lunar New Year) when demand is 3-4 times higher than usual, due to the scarcity of fresh fish and increased input costs. After Tet, the price of dried fish usually decreases as the price of fresh raw materials also falls.

Besides dried fish, the dried shrimp market is also affected by the shortage of raw materials. Ms. Le Thi Kim Thoa, director of Hieu Phat Cooperative in Vinh Thuan district, said that the price of raw shrimp has increased sharply this year.

The shift from shrimp farming to rice cultivation, driven by high rice prices, has significantly reduced shrimp supply. The price of fresh whiteleg shrimp has increased by 15,000 VND/kg, leading to a rise in the price of dried shrimp to 580,000 - 780,000 VND/kg.

Production facilities in the western region are currently racing to meet the surge in demand for the Lunar New Year, but shortages of raw materials and rising input costs are creating significant pressure, pushing the prices of dried seafood products to their highest levels in years.

Sesame brittle baked seven times is a best-seller during Tet (Lunar New Year) season.

These days, the kitchens of sesame cracker production facilities in Da Nang are operating at full capacity - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

In the final days of the year, sesame brittle bakeries in Da Nang are bustling with activity, operating at full capacity to supply batches of delicious biscuits for the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake 2025.

Sesame brittle, also known as "seven-fire" biscuits, is a famous specialty with a rich, authentic flavor. With its delicate sweetness, fragrant roasted sesame aroma, and crispy crust, this biscuit has been a part of the lives of people in Central Vietnam for generations.

Quang Chau village (Hoa Chau commune, Hoa Vang district) is famous for its sesame brittle making. This is not only a unique cultural feature but also a stable source of income for the local people.

Mr. Tran Xu's family has maintained their sesame brittle bakery for over 40 years. During the Lunar New Year season, the bakery is busier than ever, with about 10 workers operating continuously. According to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nghi, Mr. Xu's wife, to make delicious, high-quality biscuits, the bakers must bake them seven times to achieve the perfect crispness.

Sesame brittle also requires precise ingredients, from the 13/2 rice variety for its fluffy texture, to the white granulated sugar from Quang Ngai , and high-quality sesame seeds from Thanh Hoa.

Not only Quang Chau village, but also the "Ba Lieu Me" sesame brittle-making village in Cam Le district is entering its peak season.

Mr. Huynh Duc Sol, the owner of the establishment, shared that this year's Tet holiday saw a more than 30% increase in mooncake production compared to last year, reaching approximately 400,000 - 500,000 products. Currently, over 40 workers are working in shifts to fulfill orders.

Small sesame brittle cookies are sold for 50,000 - 70,000 VND per box (50 pieces), and are a popular choice for offerings and display on altars during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Although the sesame cracker-making craft is facing challenges due to the declining number of young people pursuing it, families like Mr. Xu's and Mr. Sol's persevere in keeping the tradition alive and preserving its beauty through each cracker.

Every Tet season, sesame brittle not only brings back familiar flavors but also symbolizes togetherness, preserving the spirit of the countryside amidst modern life.

Young people eagerly take photos during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) at the temple with its ancient charm.

Nam Son Pagoda is famous for its ancient architecture and romantic atmosphere, attracting many young people to take photos during Tet (Lunar New Year) - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), Nam Son Pagoda in Hoa Chau commune, Hoa Vang district, Da Nang, becomes an attractive destination for young people.

With its ancient architecture, red tiled roofs, rows of gilded buildings, and dreamy atmosphere, the temple is likened to a setting in historical dramas, attracting many people to take photos.

Ms. Xuan Vi (24 years old, Hai Chau district) shared that the cool weather and sunny days these days are ideal for taking Tet photos.

"The picturesque scenery at Nam Son Pagoda helps me feel the traditional Tet atmosphere more clearly. Taking photos here is not only to preserve memories but also a way for me to welcome a meaningful new year," Vi said.

In the afternoon, the number of people visiting the temple increased. Young people wore traditional and modern ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and blue, brightening up the serene atmosphere. Many also brought accessories such as conical hats, paper fans, and red envelopes to add a special touch to their Tet (Lunar New Year) photos.

Le Do Nha Phuong (22 years old, Ngu Hanh Son district) chose the concept of "going to the temple at the beginning of the year" for her Tet photo shoot.

"The spacious grounds and beautiful architecture of Nam Son Pagoda make it easy for me to choose a good angle for photos without having to jostle with others. Moreover, photos taken here are currently very popular on social media," Phuong shared.

Besides taking photos, many people also took the opportunity to light incense and pray for peace, expressing their wishes for a peaceful and happy new year.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thieu-hut-nguyen-lieu-can-tet-gia-kho-mien-tay-bien-dong-manh-20250105084707493.htm