The Vietnamese market is seeing an unprecedented influx of foreign peaches, driven by diverse supply and competitive pricing. This trend is evident from consumer observations to official import figures, indicating a significant shift in fruit consumption patterns.

Hong, a resident of Gia Dinh ward, Ho Chi Minh City, noted the recent abundance of foreign peaches in both supermarkets and traditional markets. Beyond the familiar "dao tien" (nectarines), stores also offer Chinese golden peaches at a more accessible price. "I bought two boxes of Chinese golden peaches for 240,000 VND, which works out to 120,000 VND per kg, significantly cheaper than Japanese or Korean peaches," she shared.

This increasing diversity is also reported by fruit stores. Hoang Anh, owner of a shop on Phan Dang Luu street, Cau Kieu ward, Ho Chi Minh City, started selling "dao tien" in mid-July and added Beijing golden peaches about two weeks ago. On some days, her store sells hundreds of boxes of peaches. According to her, while the market previously offered mainly "dao tien" and Chinese fuzzy peaches, this year, suppliers have introduced golden and snow peaches. Most of these products are priced at 80,000-120,000 VND per kg, whereas Japanese peaches sell for about 950,000-1,200,000 VND, and Korean peaches commonly range from 250,000-500,000 VND per kg.

Beyond greater variety, foreign peaches this year are also more affordable than in the same period last year. Surveys at sales points show many varieties have seen a 10-15% price drop, with Chinese "dao tien" prices falling by as much as 40%. This reduction in selling prices coincides with increased supply from business distributors. A Ho Chi Minh City fruit importer reported a 50% increase in peach imports compared to last year. A manager of a fruit store on Hai Ba Trung street, Tan Dinh ward, also noted a 30% rise in imported Japanese and Korean peaches.

Chinese golden peaches are carefully packaged in a fruit store in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hong Chau

The volume of Chinese peaches imported through Thu Duc agricultural wholesale market reached 846 tons in the first 7 months of the year, equivalent to 83% of the total 1,018 tons imported for all of 2025. A market representative stated that August-October is typically the busiest period for peach imports, while this year's season might extend until November. Chinese peach prices at the market currently range from 13,000-23,000 VND per kg, lower than last year's 15,000-25,000 VND.

Peach import turnover also saw a sharp increase. According to Vietnam Customs, in the first eight months of the year, Vietnam spent over 10 million USD importing this item, an increase of 183.6% compared to the same period last year. This growth is the highest among the top 20 fruit and nut categories surveyed. In August alone, turnover reached 1.88 million USD, up 220%. This upward trend occurs as selling prices in many segments decrease, while distributors report increased import volumes.

China is a key supplier contributing to the expanded selection of foreign peaches in Vietnam. In the first eight months, China's fruit and vegetable export turnover to Vietnam reached 876 million USD, a 51% increase year-on-year, according to Vietnam Customs. Grapes, apples, pears, peaches, and golden melons are among the most frequently exported Chinese fruits to Vietnam. The supply of Chinese peaches benefits from diverse varieties and extended harvest periods. According to People's Daily, the Pinggu area of Beijing boasts nearly 300 peach varieties, including early-ripening, mid-season, and late-season groups, extending the harvest season from March to October. A market bulletin from the Jiaxing commerce agency in Zhejiang province also reported a 20.22% increase in peach transactions at local markets in July compared to the same period, while the average price decreased by 1.55%.

Thanks to the diverse supply and wide price range, Vietnamese consumers now have more choices, from affordable Chinese peaches to higher-end Japanese and Korean varieties. The foreign peach market has expanded not only in terms of types but also in price points, catering to various customer segments.

Thi Ha