Plum prices down 40% as supply soars

Grade 1 plums (of a size that comprises 18-23 fruits per kilogram) cost VND80,000-100,000 and grade 2 (25-35 fruits) costs VND50,000-80,000.

Smaller plums, called grade C, are priced at VND25,000-30,000.

Loan, owner of a fruit stall on Thu Duc City’s Pham Van Dong Street, said this year’s plums are sweeter, firmer and more eye-catching than in previous years.

Hoa, who runs a fruit store on Go Vap District’s Le Duc Tho Street, said prices are lower this year due to abundant supply. "Plums are coming to the southern market in larger quantities this year."

Now that the harvest is in full swing, the price of the fruit has fallen to a third of what prevailed in the off-season two months ago, she said.

Plums on sale at a Co.opmart supermarket in HCMC in May, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Hong Chau

Plums are primarily grown in some far northern provinces such as Ha Giang, Moc Chau and Son La.

Nguyen Minh Hoang, a fruit wholesaler in HCMC, said plums are being sold at cheaper prices also due to competition from imported fruits.

Besides, many wholesalers and retailers buy directly from orchards, eliminating intermediary costs, he added.

Since April 3 the Thu Duc Agricultural Product has procured 3,086 tons from Son La, a much greater volume than it bought 12 months ago.

Demand is also high. Co.opmart supermarket chain expects to sell 100 tons of the fruit during its main season from April to July.

Ha Nhu Hue, director of the Son La Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, expects sales to increase this year since plums are being sold through various channels from traditional to e-commerce.