Low Mekong Delta supply causes domestic price surge ahead of Tet celebrations
As Tet approaches, a reduction in durian supply from Vietnam’s Mekong Delta has caused a spike in price across the domestic market, according to a report from Retail News Asia.
The Mekong Delta region produces Vietnam’s primary off-season crop harvesting from November to March. This year, growers have reported lower harvests while others have opted out of off-season growing altogether due to recent weather impacts.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, several delta orchards were severely affected by floods late last year and are still in recovery.
A grower from Dong Thap Province, told Retail News Asia unpredictable weather patterns had increased costs and reduced yields.
Growing export demand has also contributed to the strain on domestic supply, according to the publication.
With a reduction in supply ahead of the major festive season, Vietnamese traders have reported prices for grade A, Monthong durians have reached the highest point in two years at VND140,000 (US$5.40) per kilogram. The Grade A Ri6 durian has also surged to VND80,000 (US$3.08) per kilogram, an increase of 30 to 50 per cent on November prices.
