For years, cherries have been considered a high-end imported fruit in Vietnam, typically priced at VND 400,000-750,000 per kg and at times reaching nearly VND 1 million per kg.
This season, however, the market has seen an unexpected slide. Since early February, many traders have offered Chilean cherries at VND 110,000-200,000 per kg, with products appearing not only in supermarkets and specialty fruit shops but also across online marketplaces.
Chilean cherries are widely advertised at extremely low prices (Photo: Screenshot).
Prices fall at end of season
Nguyen Mai, a wholesale importer based in Ha Dong Ward, Hanoi, said Chilean “gold box” cherries are entering the final stage of the harvest season, resulting in abundant supply and significantly lower prices.
Fresh shipments of XLD (extra large double) cherries are currently advertised at VND 650,000 per 5kg box. Bulk purchases are discounted to VND 630,000 per box for five to 10 boxes and VND 600,000 per box for orders of 20 boxes or more.
“That works out to roughly VND 120,000-130,000 per kg, much cheaper than cherries imported from Australia, the US or New Zealand,” she said.
A fruit store in Cau Dien Ward, Hanoi, is selling Chilean cherries at VND 100,000 per 600g box, while 1kg packs are priced at about VND 180,000 per kg.
Retailers noted that demand tends to rise ahead of the first full moon festival of the lunar year, causing a slight uptick in prices compared with previous weeks, though still far below early-season levels.
In supermarkets, Chilean cherries are listed at around VND 249,000 per kg.
Chilean cherries for sale at a supermarket in Hanoi (Photo: Minh Huyen).
Quality varies by origin
Traders say quality and pricing differ depending on origin.
Cherries from the US and Australia are generally crisp and sweet, placing them in the highest price bracket. New Zealand cherries are moderately firm with a richer sweetness, typically priced in the mid-range.
Chilean cherries, by contrast, are firm with moderate sweetness and a lighter aftertaste, making them the most affordable option among imported varieties this season.