Betel nut prices increase sharply, food is stable during the Full Moon Festival of January

In the past two days (January 13 and 14), the number of people coming to traditional markets to buy offerings for the Full Moon Festival has increased. In the markets, the atmosphere is bustling and busy, no different from Tet. To serve the shopping needs of the people, small traders have increased the amount of imported goods and diversified the types.

According to records, fruit products are abundant and plentiful, and prices have "cooled down" a lot compared to Tet. Accordingly, green-skinned grapefruit is priced from 40,000 - 80,000 VND/fruit (depending on weight), red dragon fruit is 60,000 VND/kg, red rose apple is 75,000 VND/kg, longan is 60,000 VND/kg, large green apple is 60,000 VND/kg, seedless watermelon is 35,000 VND/kg...

As for chrysanthemums (cup chrysanthemums, large chrysanthemums, diamond chrysanthemums), the price ranges from 5,000-7,000 VND/branch, 500-1,000 VND/branch cheaper than during Tet.

At the local markets in Vinh city, in addition to traditional chrysanthemums, this year, many other “countryside” flowers such as grapefruit flowers and areca flower stalks are sold at quite a lot, and the prices are quite expensive. Specifically, 1 areca flower stalk costs 50,000-70,000 VND, grapefruit flowers 15,000-20,000 VND/plate, but they still attract buyers.

In particular, areca nuts and betel nuts are much more expensive than usual and are also in high demand. In Vinh city markets, a plate of betel nuts (1 betel leaf and 1 areca nut) ranges from 35,000 to 40,000 VND/plate; in rural markets, it ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 VND/plate.

Although the price of betel and areca nuts is suddenly expensive, they are very popular because according to people's belief, the offering tray for the Full Moon Festival in January cannot lack areca nuts and betel leaves.

Ms. Phan Hong Nhung, a vendor selling offerings at Coi Market (Vinh City) said: "The price of betel and areca nuts is 5,000 - 10,000 VND/plate more expensive than during Tet and 4-5 times more expensive than usual.

The reason is that during the year there is a lot of frost, so the areca nut has difficulty setting fruit, so the supply of beautiful, green and bearded areca nuts is very scarce. Although it is so expensive, in the past 2 days, I have sold out all 5 bunches of areca nuts, now I am temporarily out of betel and areca nuts to sell on the Full Moon Festival.

Despite the high demand, the prices of fresh products are quite stable. Specifically, pork products such as pork belly, shoulder, ribs fluctuate from 120,000 - 160,000 VND/kg, beef products such as flank, tenderloin, thigh... cost from 280,000 - 330,000 VND/kg. Ham and sausage products such as silk ham, ear ham, flower ham, chicken ham are sold for 130,000 - 280,000 VND/kg.

Regarding poultry products, although the demand for chickens for the Full Moon Festival in January is quite high, the selling price of this product has not increased much, fluctuating at 130,000 - 140,000 VND/kg depending on the type.

Fresh aquatic and seafood products, although decreased compared to Tet, are still "anchored" high and the quantity is not much. Especially shrimp, white pomfret, grouper... prices are still much higher than usual. Particularly, large fresh shrimp (20-25 pieces/kg) costs 350-370,000 VND/kg; smaller ones (35-40 pieces/kg) cost 250,000 VND/kg; white pomfret with yellow fin costs 200,000 VND/kg...

The price of green vegetables has dropped sharply, returning to normal prices. Currently, kohlrabi costs 8,000 VND/kg, cauliflower costs 8,000-10,000 VND/head, carrots cost 10,000 VND/kg, tomatoes cost 15,000 VND/kg, mustard greens cost 10,000 VND/bunch, cabbage costs 12,000 VND/kg...

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dao, a vegetable trader at Quan Lau market, said: "Currently, green vegetables are in the harvest season, and the supply is abundant. In addition, the weather is favorable, so many households can grow their own vegetables, so the price of this item is quite cheap."

The Full Moon Festival, also known as Tet Nguyen Tieu, is an important holiday in the minds of Vietnamese people. Therefore, people pay attention to the Full Moon Festival. Although the demand for offerings has increased, unlike many years, the price of food and goods on the Full Moon Festival this year is stable, making it convenient for people to shop.