Amidst the price surge, local pork remains in high demand.

(Baonghean.vn) - While pigsWhile the market in the lowlands is struggling, "local pigs" from the highlands are still in high demand.

Weekends and holidays are considered "peak business" for those who supply mountain specialties. Nguyen Van Vinh, who specializes in selling highland specialties in Muong Xen town, Ky Son district, says that's when he receives the most orders. His customers are usually officials, civil servants, and teachers in the area and neighboring districts.

According to Mr. Vinh, with summer approaching, traveling and picnicking to streams and waterfalls is becoming a new trend among civil servants and those with decent incomes in mountainous areas. On such trips, they often bring along a "piglet" weighing over 10kg as a snack.

Thanks to understanding that trend and diligently building relationships with these customers, the pigs he bought from villages in the border district of Ky Son sold quite well. "During the recent April 30th and May 1st holidays, I sold nearly 10 pigs each day, with live pigs priced at 100,000 VND/kg," Vinh boasted.

Pigs "wearing yokes," a unique farming method that creates a local delicacy, are often scarce because they are only raised in small numbers. Photo: Ho Phuong

Similar to Ky Son district, in Que Phong district, the price of local pigs remains 3-4 times higher than that of regular pigs. Each pig weighing 10-20kg costs 110,000 VND/kg. Pigs weighing over 50kg are priced at 60,000 VND/kg, double the price of regular pigs.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hung Cuong, a businessman specializing in mountain specialties in Que Phong district, he receives about 15-20 calls per week ordering local pigs. His customers mainly come from lowland areas and Vinh City.

Native pigs are raised on natural food sources. Photo: Huu Vi

According to Mr. Cuong, extensive and free-range farming methods create the specialty local pork with characteristics such as firm, flavorful meat, and no worries about antibiotic residue... However, this farming method also makes it very difficult to ensure a large quantity to supply the market.

Another concern for those selling local specialties is the issue of "fake" native pigs. Besides tricks like dyeing them black or adding extra hair to resemble wild boars, many people now import piglets from the lowlands, raise them free-range for a short period, and then sell them. Therefore, consumers need to be cautious.

Huu Vi - Ho Phuong