In Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, particularly in Xuan Van commune, Soi Ha grapefruit is a notable agricultural product. The fruit, characterized by its thin, light yellow peel, juicy segments, and sweet taste, has seen a significant shift in market pricing. Previously, grade 1 Soi Ha grapefruit was sold for approximately $0.69-$0.86 (16.000-20.000 VND) each, with weights ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 kilograms.
Recent developments have shown a drastic reduction in prices, with online platforms offering the fruit for a fraction of its original cost, marking a decrease of over 80%. According to Ms. Linh, a sales representative from the region, the current strategy involves selling the fruit by the bag, with a package of 70 fruits going for roughly $8.59 (199.000 VND), equating to nearly $0.13 (3.000 VND) per fruit. These fruits, primarily grades 2 and 3, are smaller but maintain quality standards. In urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the price per fruit ranges from $0.43 to $0.52 (10.000-12.000 VND).
Wholesalers in Hanoi, such as Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, encounter varied pricing, with small-sized fruits starting at $0.09 (2.000 VND) each for bulk purchases. The market's saturation during harvest season, coupled with an increase in Soi Ha grapefruit cultivation, has led to a supply surplus, driving prices down. This scenario is compounded by the concurrent harvest of other citrus varieties in northern provinces.
Despite market trends, local farmers in Xuan Van report stable prices for Soi Ha grapefruit within the gardens, with grade 1 fruits fetching up to $0.69 (16.000 VND) each. Tuyen Quang's Department of Cultivation and Plant Protection highlights the distinction of Soi Ha grapefruit as an OCOP product, cautioning consumers against low-priced, potentially counterfeit products. The limited cultivation area of around 100 hectares in Xuan Van does not support the notion of extremely low market prices, underscoring the need for consumer vigilance.
Source: Vietnam.VN