Purple star apples, a Vietnamese favorite and a major export product, are experiencing a notable price surge of 30-40% compared to the previous year. Currently in season, type 1 (highest quality) is selling for VND90,000-100,000 per kilogram, a 40% increase. Oanh, a Ho Chi Minh City fruit store owner, notes this year's star apples are larger and of superior quality, with demand often exceeding supply, particularly for type 1.
The fruit's scarcity is evident at the season's start, and a survey in Can Tho City and Soc Trang Province reveals a 50% price hike, now ranging from VND28,000-35,000 per kilogram. Farmers like Phong in Can Tho Province anticipate higher profits due to both a plentiful harvest and soaring prices.
Soc Trang Province, renowned as the "purple star apple capital" of western Vietnam, reports orchard owners achieving profits of VND500-700 million per hectare as export prices reach VND45,000 per kilogram. Su Quoc Loc, director of the Loc Mai Agriculture Cooperative, attributes the price surge to increased exports to the U.S. and China, with export and domestic prices rising by 13% and 50%, respectively.
Farmers' strategic harvesting practices, avoiding a supply glut, have extended the star apple season from November to January, possibly lasting until April. This approach ensures a stable supply, sustaining elevated prices. Star apples are predominantly harvested in Can Tho City, Tien Giang, and Soc Trang provinces, with Tien Giang having over 3,000 hectares and Soc Trang Province having 2,300 hectares, cultivating various star apple varieties.
The purple star apple, known for its exquisite shape, enjoys year-round availability. Notably, star apples are exclusively a Vietnamese export, with China and the U.S. being major importers, even paying nearly VND500,000 per kilogram at one point.
Source: e.vnexpress.net