The wholesale price of Chinese Shine Muscat grapes in Vietnam has decreased to approximately US$0.55 per kilogram. In Thai Nguyen Province, vendor Hoa imported 18 tons, selling them at US$4.50 per box of 8-9 kilograms. "This is the lowest price I have sold in the last four years," she stated.
Introduced to Vietnam in 2021 at around US$10.00 per kilogram, these grapes have steadily decreased in price. Linh Anh, a vendor at Thu Duc Market in Ho Chi Minh City, noted, "Even though prices are at a record low, the quality of the fruit remains high." Anh has imported 100 tons since late last month.
Retail prices now range from US$1.20 to US$2.40 per kilogram, lower than locally grown grapes. Hanh, a retailer in Ho Chi Minh City, sells about 20 nine-kilogram boxes both in-store and online, observing, "Prices have plunged by half from last year. The grapes are big and shiny green. They are crunchy and sweet."
Wholesalers attribute the price decline to increased production. Initially cultivated in limited Chinese regions, Shine Muscat is now grown in provinces like Guangxi, Guangdong, and Shanghai. Enhanced farming and preservation techniques have ensured year-round availability, reducing seasonal dependency.
Grapes are the third most imported fruit in Vietnam by value, with imports exceeding $160 million annually, as per Vietnam Customs. China supplies 37% of Vietnam's fruit imports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts China's grape production at 14.2 million tons for the 2024-2025 season. Shine Muscat has surpassed traditional varieties like Red Globe and Kyoho in popularity.
Source: VNExpress