Fruit prices have fallen, and consumer demand is weak.

Many types of fruit are experiencing sharp price drops compared to previous months due to the peak harvest season. Weak purchasing power is causing difficulties not only for farmers but also for fruit traders.

Buying and selling fruit at a fruit stall in Cai Khe ward.

Fruit on sale

Retail prices of many fruits on the market such as lychee, avocado, mangosteen, rambutan, mango, strawberry, guava, custard apple, jackfruit, dragon fruit, plum, watermelon… have decreased by 5,000-45,000 VND/kg compared to more than a month ago, and some items have even seen a greater drop.

At many markets and fruit stalls in Can Tho City, the retail price of lychees has dropped to only 35,000-45,000 VND/kg, compared to 80,000-85,000 VND/kg previously. Mangosteen, which used to cost 90,000-100,000 VND/kg, has now fallen to 50,000-80,000 VND/kg. Avocados, which used to cost 70,000-80,000 VND/kg, have now dropped to 25,000-50,000 VND/kg.

Northern plums, which used to cost 30,000-40,000 VND/kg, are now only 20,000-30,000 VND/kg. Soursop, which used to cost 25,000-40,000 VND/kg, has dropped to 20,000-25,000 VND/kg. Many types of mangoes have seen even sharper price drops, such as Taiwanese mangoes and fragrant mangoes, now retailing at only 5,000-10,000 VND/kg. Keo mangoes, Tu Quy mangoes, Thanh Ca mangoes, Cat Chu mangoes, and Cat Hoa Loc mangoes are now only 12,000-40,000 VND/kg. Dragon fruit, papaya, guava, strawberries, and jackfruit are only 10,000-20,000 VND/kg, and watermelons are only 6,000-10,000 VND/kg…

Prices of many fruits have fallen due to increased supply as the harvest season is in full swing. Recently, the export of many fruits has faced difficulties and slowed down compared to before, leading to a sharp increase in the supply of fruit to the domestic market and a significant drop in prices. According to many fruit traders, the prices of some fruits are likely to fall further, especially those consumed fresh, where processing and export remain limited.

Contrary to the above trend, due to the peak harvest season, durian prices have increased by at least 10,000-20,000 VND/kg compared to previous weeks. Ri 6 durian is retailing at 45,000-55,000 VND/kg in many places, while Musangking is priced at 100,000-110,000 VND/kg. However, the selling prices of many durian varieties are still much lower than the same period in previous years due to difficulties in export sales, while supply has increased as many areas have expanded their planting areas.

Weak purchasing power

The sharp drop in fruit prices has created favorable conditions for consumers to choose from. However, according to many small traders and vendors, the purchasing power for fruit in Can Tho City is quite weak, and the amount of fruit sold is not much, so the income of small traders has decreased significantly compared to previous years.

Ms. Ngo Thi Kim Phuong, a fruit vendor at Cai Khe Commercial Center in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City, said: “Purchasing power is quite weak despite the sharp drop in prices for many types of fruit. Currently, the amount of fruit I sell daily is less than half of what it was during the same period in previous years. Business is slow, but input costs such as transportation fees and plastic bags have all increased. Fruit stored for a long time in unpredictable weather conditions (rain and sunshine) will quickly lose color, spoil, and lose quality, leading to lower selling prices... I hope that fruit purchasing power will improve soon, and I will be able to sell more.”

Ms. Truong Thi Huynh Mai, owner of a fruit shop near Tan An market, Ninh Kieu ward, Can Tho city, said: “The consumption of many types of fruit at my store is down about 50% compared to last year. The prices of many fruits have dropped sharply, but purchasing power remains weak because consumers are tending to save on spending. In particular, this year many restaurants and eateries have also reduced their fruit orders due to decreased demand.”

The market offers an abundant and diverse supply of fruit in terms of varieties and prices. Besides many types of fruit from orchards in Can Tho City and the Mekong Delta provinces, there are also many types of fruit originating from various regions across the country and imported.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Luyen, owner of a fruit shop on Ngo Duc Ke Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City, many types of imported fruits are cheaper, affecting the selling price and putting pressure on domestic fruits. Although sellers prioritize selling seasonal domestic fruits, imported fruits are still widely available in supermarkets and large fruit outlets.

Besides being sold in markets, supermarkets, and stores, fruits are also sold by people along roads, in residential areas, or from mobile carts and trailers, or online. This has created many conveniences and choices for consumers but has also affected the purchasing power of many types of fruit, as well as the consumption of fruit at many markets and fruit selling points. Especially now, during the peak harvest season, many families in rural areas are utilizing their own available fruits, thus reducing their fruit purchases.

Text and photos: KHANH TRUNG

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/trai-cay-rot-gia-suc-mua-yeu-a205994.html