Betel nut prices surge, food prices remain stable during the Lantern Festival (15th day of the first lunar month).
(Baonghean.vn) - "All the year-round celebrations are nothing compared to the Lantern Festival in January." For the past two days (January 13th and 14th), local markets throughout the province have been bustling with people buying offerings for the Lantern Festival. According to observations, prices for this year's Lantern Festival remain stable, except for betel nuts and leaves, which have seen a sudden price increase.
Over the past two days (January 13th and 14th), the number of people visiting local markets to buy offerings for the Mid-Autumn Festival has increased significantly. The atmosphere in the markets is bustling and lively, much like during Tet (Vietnamese New Year). To meet the shopping demands of the people, traders have increased their stock and diversified their product range.
According to observations, the variety and abundance of fruits are significant, with prices much lower than during the Tet holiday. Specifically, green pomelos are priced from 40,000 to 80,000 VND per fruit (depending on weight), red dragon fruit at 60,000 VND/kg, red rambutan at 75,000 VND/kg, longan at 60,000 VND/kg, large green apples at 60,000 VND/kg, seedless watermelon at 35,000 VND/kg…
As for chrysanthemum varieties (cup chrysanthemums, large-flowered chrysanthemums, diamond chrysanthemums), the price ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 VND per stem, which is 500-1,000 VND cheaper per stem than during Tet.
At local markets in Vinh City, in addition to traditional chrysanthemums, this year, various "countryside" flowers such as pomelo blossoms and areca palm flower stalks are being sold in large quantities, at relatively high prices. Specifically, one areca palm flower stalk costs 50,000-70,000 VND, and pomelo blossoms cost 15,000-20,000 VND per plate, yet they still attract buyers.
In particular, betel nuts and leaves are priced much higher than usual and are in high demand. At markets in Vinh City, a plate of betel nuts and leaves (1 betel leaf and 1 betel nut) costs between 35,000 and 40,000 VND; at rural markets, it ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 VND per plate.
Despite the sudden surge in the price of betel nuts and leaves, they are in high demand because, according to popular belief, betel nuts and leaves are indispensable offerings on the Lunar New Year's full moon ceremony.
Ms. Phan Hong Nhung, a vendor selling ceremonial items at Coi Market (Vinh City), said: "The price of betel leaves and areca nuts is 5,000-10,000 VND/plate more expensive during Tet and 4-5 times more expensive than on normal days."
The reason is that due to the heavy frost this year, betel nuts have difficulty bearing fruit, so the supply of beautiful, green betel nuts with tendrils is very scarce. Despite the high price, I've sold all 5 bunches of betel nuts in the past two days, and I'm currently out of betel nuts for the Mid-Autumn Festival."
Despite high demand, prices of fresh produce remain relatively stable. Specifically, pork products such as pork belly, shoulder, and ribs range from 120,000 to 160,000 VND/kg, while beef products like flank, tenderloin, and shank are priced from 280,000 to 330,000 VND/kg. Sausage and ham products such as Vietnamese pork sausage (giò lụa, giò tai, giò hoa, giò gà) are sold at prices ranging from 130,000 to 280,000 VND/kg.
Regarding poultry, although the demand for chickens for the Lunar New Year's full moon offering is quite high, the selling price has not increased significantly, fluctuating between 130,000 and 140,000 VND/kg depending on the type.
Although prices of fresh seafood have decreased compared to the Tet holiday, they remain high and the supply is limited. In particular, prices for shrimp, white pomfret, and grouper are still significantly higher than usual. For example, large fresh shrimp (20-25 shrimp/kg) cost 350,000-370,000 VND/kg; smaller shrimp (35-40 shrimp/kg) cost 250,000 VND/kg; and yellowfin white pomfret costs 200,000 VND/kg…
Prices of green vegetables have now dropped sharply, returning to normal levels. Currently, kohlrabi costs 8,000 VND/kg, cauliflower from 8,000-10,000 VND/head, carrots from 10,000 VND/kg, tomatoes from 15,000 VND/kg, mustard greens at 10,000 VND/bunch, cabbage at 12,000 VND/kg…
Ms. Nguyen Thi Dao, a vegetable vendor at Quan Lau market, said: "Currently, green vegetables are in their peak harvest season, so the supply is abundant. In addition, the weather is favorable, so many households are growing their own vegetables, making them self-sufficient, so the price of this item is quite cheap."
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, is an important holiday in the Vietnamese psyche. Therefore, people pay close attention to the offerings made during this festival. Although the demand for offerings is high, unlike in previous years, the prices of food and goods in the market for this year's Lantern Festival are stable, making shopping easier for people.
