In recent weeks, Enrico Turoni of the Italian company TR Turoni toured Vietnam. Among other things, he was impressed by the floating fruit and vegetable wholesale markets, which were more popular in the past and of which only a few remain. Here is his testimony.
The boat of a watermelon wholesaler
"One of the country's main growing areas is the delta of the Mekong River. Bananas, pineapple, citrus, mangoes, rambutan and tarragon fruit are grown there year-round," says Turoni.
Boats of local fruit and vegetable merchants
The Mekong Delta is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and navigable canals that were the only communication network before the construction of roads and bridges. Agricultural trade took place mainly along the waterways, and floating markets were the place to sell fruits and vegetables.
"There used to be about a dozen floating wholesale markets. With the construction of bridges and roads, this form of trade is slowly disappearing. Currently, there are still three floating markets in the region."
As in any well-respected wholesale market, there is a place that provides some refreshment
"One of the main floating markets is Cai Rang in the city of Can Tho. At this wholesale market, the minimum sale is in 10-kg lots. Large boats serve as parking areas, while other vessels provide support services such as bars and restaurants."
The product that is sold by the particular boat is shown impaled on a pike
"The traders buy the different products in the growing areas and reach the floating market with their boats, where they stay for a few days until the whole cargo is sold. A pole is hoisted on the boat from which the products bought on the boat are hung."
"Negotiations take place beginning at dawn. Local greengrocers in small boats buy the fruits and vegetables which they then sell to consumers in city markets."
"Year 2023 will be a very important one for Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports; it is estimated that exports will reach about $4 billion (source: Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association). In 2022, exports were just over $3 billion," says Turoni.
A trader after purchasing
The main exports include durian, mango, tarragon fruit, jackfruit, lychee and passion fruit. Durian is doing very well with a double-digit growth compared to 2022. But no less important are mangoes, tarragon fruits, jackfruits, lychees and passion fruits.
Another wholesaler
"One of the most important markets is China, which imports about 60% of the fruits and vegetables exported from Vietnam. Other important destinations are South Korea and the Netherlands. Exports to the European Union are growing under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, signed in June 2019."
For more information: 
T.R. Turoni srl
Via Copernico 26
47122 Forlì - Italy
+39 0543 724848
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www.trturoni.com