Food prices have risen slightly after the Lunar New Year, with abundant supplies.

Prices have increased slightly, and goods are abundant.

Observations made on the morning of the 4th day of Tet (Lunar New Year) at traditional markets in Truong Vinh, Vinh Loc, Vinh Phu wards showed that the buying and selling atmosphere had become lively again. Stalls selling meat, fish, vegetables, and tubers were fully stocked with fresh goods, unlike the days leading up to Tet when supplies were low. Although the prices of some items had increased slightly compared to before Tet, the increase was insignificant, mainly concentrated in the fresh food and vegetable categories.

Specifically, beef prices increased from 280,000 VND/kg to approximately 310,000 VND/kg; pork prices rose from 130,000 VND/kg to 150,000 VND/kg. Seafood prices also followed a similar trend: grass carp increased from 90,000 VND/kg to 110,000 VND/kg (130,000 VND/kg for fillets), and common carp increased from 70,000 VND/kg to 90,000 VND/kg. Medium-sized whiteleg shrimp fluctuated around 360,000 VND/kg, an increase of about 40,000 VND compared to before Tet; large tiger shrimp ranged from 500,000 to 650,000 VND/kg depending on size.

In the vegetable sector, supply is quite abundant as winter crop production areas still ensure consistent harvests. Prices for kohlrabi, cabbage, and cauliflower increased from 7,000 VND/piece to 10,000 VND/piece; green squash from 15,000 VND/kg to 18,000 VND/kg; tomatoes from 15,000 VND/kg to 18,000 VND/kg; and cucumbers from 18,000 VND/kg to 25,000 VND/kg. Some root vegetables like carrots and potatoes increased by 5,000 VND/kg, fluctuating around 20,000 VND/kg; chayote increased from 12,000 VND/kg to 15,000 VND/kg.

Notably, the prices of vegetables used in hot pot dishes, which are popular during New Year's gatherings, have surged, with some types even doubling or tripling compared to normal days. Celery is priced at 35,000 VND/bundle, chrysanthemum greens at 20,000 VND/bundle, and pumpkin shoots at 40,000 VND/bundle. However, according to many vendors, this is a familiar occurrence during Tet (Lunar New Year), due to the sudden increase in demand while the harvest depends on the weather.

Not only in urban areas, but also in rural markets such as Con Cuong, Do Luong, Hung Nguyen… there is a wide variety of goods and a slight increase in prices. In general, the post-Tet market did not experience price surges or shortages, reflecting proactive preparation from supply to distribution.

PeopleReduce hoarding habits.Prioritize fresh food.

One notable aspect of this year's market landscape is the significant shift in consumer habits. While in the past, many families tended to stock up on enough food to last the entire week of Tet (Lunar New Year), now their shopping habits are more flexible.

Ms. Duong Thi Huyen (Vinh Loc ward) shared that every year her family usually buys a lot of meat, fish, and vegetables before Tet to reduce trips to the market, but long-term storage makes the food less fresh. This year, she only prepared enough for the first one or two days, then went to the market to shop according to the needs of each meal. According to her, although prices after Tet are higher than usual, they are still acceptable, and in return, the food is fresher and more abundant.

Similarly, Ms. Vi Phuong Thao (from Con Cuong commune) said that the lives of rural people have improved significantly, so Tet is no longer as focused on elaborate feasts as before. Her family only prepares a small amount of ready-made food to use on the first day of Tet, and on the afternoon of the second day, they go to the market to buy fresh food for daily meals. "Buying what we need is both delicious and convenient, and we also have the opportunity to stroll through the market at the beginning of the year," she said.

According to vendors, this change has led to a more even distribution of purchasing power, rather than concentrated in the days leading up to Tet. From the second day of Tet, many local markets opened early, attracting a large number of customers, especially at stalls selling vegetables, fish, and shrimp. Ms. Pham Thi Phuong, a vendor selling river shrimp and fish at Hung Dung market, said that after days of continuously consuming meat and sausages, many families wanted to switch to seafood and freshwater fish, resulting in a significant increase in consumption. The price of fish and shrimp increased by about 20-30% compared to normal days, but there was no price gouging.

In reality, consumer psychology has gradually shifted towards planned shopping, avoiding concentrating demand at a single time. People prioritize fresh food, reducing long-term stockpiling, which helps the market operate more smoothly and limits unusual fluctuations.

Besides demand, the supply after Tet this year is also considered favorable. The goods are mainly newly imported, with no old stock remaining. Many small traders said they proactively connected with suppliers early on, maintaining contact with local and provincial suppliers to ensure uninterrupted supply chains. The early reopening of wholesale markets, along with the flexibility of distribution channels, played a significant role in maintaining price stability.

Notably, the sellers' civilized business practices and reasonable pricing create a harmonious balance of interests between small traders and consumers. In the context of rising input costs, adjusting prices moderately demonstrates a willingness to share the burden and make long-term calculations, rather than pursuing short-term profits.

Forecasts indicate that in the coming days, as the holiday ends and life returns to normal, shopping demand will gradually increase. However, with abundant supply and proactive measures from businesses, the market is likely to remain stable.

The absence of price surges and shortages immediately after Tet is a positive sign for the economic outlook at the beginning of the year, indicating that the food market, from rural areas to urban centers, is operating more professionally, sustainably, and adapting better to changes in consumer behavior.