In Hanoi, seedless lychees from China's Hainan Province are priced between VND600,000 and VND900,000 (approximately US$23-35) per kilogram, notably higher than traditional Vietnamese varieties, which range from VND45,000 to VND120,000 (US$1.77 to US$4.73). This price gap arises despite local varieties being cheaper than the previous year due to a bumper harvest. Thanh Tam, a fruit store owner in Nam Tu Liem District, notes that the premium price reflects their primary export to Japan.
Ngoc, who runs a store in Dong Da District, describes the lychees as possessing reddish-pink skin and thick, juicy flesh. Though mostly seedless, a small seed the size of a mung bean occasionally appears. Packaging often includes two-kilogram baskets with ice packs to maintain freshness, though sellers note that skin discoloration and inconsistent quality have been concerns. Customer feedback highlights inconsistent experiences; for instance, Hoang Anh from Cau Giay District mentioned, "It had a slightly sour and bitter taste, and its skin darkened after just one day."
Northern Vietnam produces seedless lychees at around VND280,000 (about US$11) per kilogram. In Bac Giang Province, 500 trees have been fruiting since 2022, though with low yield and quality. Le Ba Thanh, deputy director of the province's Department of Agriculture and Environment, indicates no expansion plans for now. Meanwhile, larger-scale cultivation in Thanh Hoa Province covers over 1,000 hectares, with exports to Japan and the U.K., where they retail for approximately VND800,000 (around US$31) per kilogram.
Source: VNExpress