Vietnam's 'Hoa Loc' Mango Prices Double in Three Months, Retail Reaching $228 Per Kilo

The price of Vietnam's prized "Hoa Loc" mangoes has surged dramatically, doubling in just three months to reach as high as 228 Vietnamese dong (approximately $6 USD) per kilogram for retail consumers. This significant price increase is impacting both producers and buyers across the country.

Producers in Dong Nai province have seen their wholesale prices climb to between 60,000 and 80,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram, double the rates from April and May. While this offers a profit, some farmers note that rising costs for labor and fertilizer have diminished their overall earnings compared to previous years. The cooperative manager in An Giang province confirmed that top-grade mangoes are currently selling for 70,000 to 80,000 dong per kilogram wholesale.

The sharp rise in retail prices is particularly evident in Ho Chi Minh City, where premium Hoa Loc mangoes are selling for around 150,000 dong, with some vendors charging up to 190,000 dong. Lower grades are also seeing substantial increases. This scarcity and higher cost are primarily driven by the end of the main harvest season, significantly reducing market supply. Additionally, the approach of the seventh lunar month, a period of increased demand for fruits used in祭祀 (ancestor worship), is further pushing up prices.

This situation highlights the volatile nature of agricultural markets, where supply, demand, and cultural practices converge to influence consumer prices. The rising costs for farmers, coupled with the elevated prices for consumers, present a challenging economic landscape for this popular Vietnamese fruit.