Once a luxury, Shine Muscat grapes now cheaper than local varieties in Vietnam

Shine Muscat grapes, which were once an exclusive and high-priced fruit in Vietnam, have now become widely affordable, with wholesale prices dropping to VND14,000 ($0.55) per kilogram. Just a few years ago, in 2021, the same fruit was selling for around VND250,000 ($9.85) per kilogram.

A distributor in Thai Nguyen Province recently received 18 tons of Shine Muscat grapes, selling them at a wholesale price of VND109,000 ($4.30) per box (weighing 8–9 kilograms). She noted that this is the lowest price recorded in the past four years.

Despite the significant price reduction, vendors assure that fruit quality remains high. A seller at Thu Duc Market in Ho Chi Minh City, who has supplied 100 tons since late last month, emphasized that the grapes are still fresh, crisp, and naturally sweet.

Consumers are also benefiting from the price drop, with retail prices now ranging from VND30,000 to VND60,000 ($1.20–$2.35) per kilogram, making them cheaper than locally grown grapes. Sellers report a surge in demand, with customers purchasing both in stores and online.

The price collapse is largely due to an oversupply. Initially cultivated in limited regions of China, Shine Muscat grapes are now grown in multiple provinces, including Guangxi, Guangdong, and Shanghai. Advances in farming techniques and storage technology have further boosted production, ensuring year-round availability and lowering costs.

Vietnam remains one of the largest grape importers, bringing in over $160 million worth of grapes annually, according to Vietnam Customs. China remains the dominant supplier, accounting for 37% of Vietnam’s total fruit imports.

Projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate that China’s grape production will reach 14.2 million tons in the 2024-2025 season. In recent years, Shine Muscat grapes have become the preferred variety, overtaking traditional types like Red Globe and Kyoho in popularity.

source: e.vnexpress.net

photo: channelnewsasia.com