Vietnam has great advantages in producing tropical fruits with a total output of more than 10 million tons a year. In 2022, fresh fruit exports alone brought turnover of $2.1 billion.

As Vietnam is a big producer, fruit is inexpensive in the country, and available at traditional markets, supermarkets and online markets as well. 

In Vinh Long province, where farmers are harvesting oranges, prices have plunged to VND2,000-3,000 per kilogram. At traditional markets, retail prices are just VND8,000-10,000.

However, Vietnam also has high-end expensive fruits, grown with high technology, high standards and traceability.

At a fruit shop in Hai Ba Trung district in Hanoi, the products, introduced as ‘VIP’ and ‘A-class’, are quoted at prices 2-3 times higher than those at traditional markets.

Star apples, for example, are selling at VND100,000-150,000 at traditional markets, while high-class products are quoted at VND255,000. 

At the shop, Hoa Loc mango sells for VND200,000 per kilogram, yellow flesh passion fruit VND150,000 and rambutan VND155,000.

The saleswoman of the shop told VietNamNet that all the fruits available at the shop are farmed with VietGAP standards, or are organic. The products are carefully examined after harvesting to be sure that they have high and equal quality. The fruits are carried by air which ensures the freshness.

It is now the harvest season for Son La mulberries. Popular products are selling at just VND100,000 per kilogram, while VIP products are five times more expensive – VND500,000-600,000 per kilogram. If consumers want to buy mulberries at the beginning or end of the crop, they have to pay up to VND1 million per kilogram. At such a price, Son La mulberries are even more expensive than imports from South Korea.

Meanwhile, custard apples in Son La are offered at VND500,000 per kilogram, which means that a custard apple weighing 1-2.5 kilogram is VND500,000-VND1.25 million.

Dinh Manh Khuong, a wholesaler of high-end fruits in Can Tho said VIP products have their own customers. As per capita income is rising, more people want high-end products

Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Veggie and Fruit Association, said the high-end fruit market segment is large, while there are few producers and suppliers. Therefore, there are big opportunities for investors.

Tam An