Avocado prices at the farm gate in Vietnam have escalated to VND40,000 (US$1.54) per kilogram, marking the highest level in five years. This increase is attributed to a supply shortage. In the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, farmer Hien anticipates earning VND100 million (approximately US$3,850) from avocado sales, translating to a profit margin of 60%.
Retailers in Ho Chi Minh City have adjusted prices upward, making avocados more costly than mangoes, oranges, and grapefruits. According to Hoang Anh, a fruit store owner in the city, "Supply has fallen by 50% from last year due to low yields."
Avocado trader Dang Minh Tien noted that adverse weather conditions have contributed to the supply deficit. Additionally, some farmers have opted to replace avocado trees with other fruit crops following years of minimal profits or losses.
Supermarket chain MM Mega Market has introduced avocados with a green sticker, indicating their high quality and absence of chemical residues.
Agricultural authorities in Lam Dong Province report a reduction in avocado cultivation areas as farmers transition to durian and coffee. The province currently maintains approximately 8,000 hectares of avocado farms, yielding around 80,000 tons annually.
Source: VNExpress