Various types of dried freshwater fish are processed by local fishermen in Tam Nong commune, Dong Thap province, for customers who place orders in advance - Photo: DANG TUYET
Meanwhile, watermelons at Can Tho markets are priced at 10,000-15,000 VND/kg, attracting customers amidst the hot weather, while pork prices at smaller markets have not decreased proportionally, forcing housewives to still buy at high prices.
Dried freshwater fish is a popular choice.
At this time of year in the Mekong Delta, people engaged in freshwater fishing are busily harvesting the last of the season. The supply of freshwater fish is high, and dried freshwater fish of all kinds are in high demand, with prices ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 VND per kilogram, requiring advance orders.
According to a family specializing in drying freshwater fish in Tam Nong commune, Dong Thap province, currently at the end of the flood season, the variety of dried freshwater fish available includes: snakehead fish, catfish, carp, eel, and mudfish... Freshwater fish are abundant during the flood season, which lasts from 2.5 to 3 months.
Especially at this time of year, when the water level is low, there are many fish in the river, providing an abundant supply of raw materials for drying. However, due to the increase in the price of raw fish, some types such as snakehead fish and eel are scarce and cannot be dried because of the high production costs.
"Currently, dried snakehead fish is priced at 150,000 - 200,000 VND/kg, catfish and tilapia at 250,000 VND/kg, dried mudfish from 600,000 VND/kg, and snakehead fish at 400,000 - 450,000 VND/kg, but there's no stock to sell. Customers who want to buy have to order in advance, then I find and gather the raw fish," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, a household specializing in making dried freshwater fish in Tam Nong commune.
Despite a sharp drop in pork prices, consumers in Ho Chi Minh City are still buying meat at high prices.
Pork prices at retail markets remain quite high compared to the drop in live pig prices - Photo: N.TRÍ
According to observations on November 13th at Hoc Mon wholesale market (Ho Chi Minh City), the price of pork cuts (slaughtered, without head) is currently averaging 58,000-63,000 VND/kg depending on the type. Meanwhile, other cuts of pork such as hind leg are priced at 55,000 VND/kg, front leg and thigh at 60,000 VND/kg, pork loin at 65,000 VND/kg, pork belly and boneless pork belly at 100,000 VND/kg, and baby ribs at 130,000 VND/kg. These prices have decreased quite significantly compared to mid-2016.
Meanwhile, at many retail markets in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of November 13th, the retail price of pork was commonly in the range of 100,000 - 190,000 VND/kg, which is quite high compared to the decrease in live pig prices and wholesale pig prices at wholesale markets.
Specifically, pork belly with ribs removed and premium quality pork ribs remain at around 180,000-190,000 VND/kg; regular pork belly at 145,000 VND/kg; pork thigh and shoulder at 125,000-135,000 VND/kg; pork trotters at 100,000-120,000 VND/kg…
According to many consumers, the retail price of pork mentioned above has only decreased by about 10-20% compared to the high prices at the beginning of the year. This reduction is too small compared to the significant drop in live pig prices recently.
At many supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City, except for products with end-of-day promotions, the prices of pork and pork bones are generally quite high compared to the decrease in live pig prices.
Specifically, prices at supermarkets range from 130,000 to 240,000 VND/kg depending on the type, and some places even sell pork ribs for 260,000-270,000 VND/kg.
Meanwhile, although pork prices are showing signs of improvement, with production costs fluctuating between 55,000 and 59,000 VND/kg depending on the farm, many pig farmers say they are experiencing prolonged and heavy losses.
In particular, during September and October, pork prices in many localities were consistently low, with some places selling for only 38,000-40,000 VND/kg. This has caused the average pork price to drop quite low over the past several months.
Watermelons priced at 10,000 VND/kg attract customers amidst the hot weather.
Watermelons for sale at a market in Can Tho - Photo: CA LINH
The hot weather has increased the demand for cooling fruits, with watermelon being a popular choice among consumers. At markets in Can Tho City, various types of watermelon, such as Black Beauty watermelon, Sugar watermelon, and dragon fruit, are currently being sold at prices ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 VND per kilogram.
According to vendors, watermelons are relatively affordable, juicy, and sweet, making them suitable for quenching thirst during hot weather. This fruit is often bought to be eaten fresh or processed into juice or smoothies.
Mr. Bui Van Nhan, a watermelon vendor at An Hoa market (Cai Khe ward, Can Tho city), said that recently, the demand for watermelons has tended to increase thanks to the hot weather.
"Every 3-4 days, I bring in about 100kg of watermelons to sell. Customer demand is quite good, but it's not easy to get more because the supply is currently limited. Traders say that farmers have finished harvesting the current watermelon crop and are preparing to plant the next crop to serve the Tet market," said Mr. Nhan.
