Vietnamese people eat 3,000 tons of French apples every year.

Competitive prices and a reputation for quality have made French apples, which have only been in Vietnam for two years, a huge success.

Returning to Vietnam in August 2015 after the ban from 2012 was lifted, French apples have had two bumper years in this market. According to the French Embassy, ​​currently 3,000 tons of apples are exported to Vietnam each year and are available in most major retail channels such as Big C, Aeon, Lotte Mart, Co.op Mart, Satra, Vinmart, etc.

France has about 20 varieties of apples and currently there are nearly ten varieties imported into Vietnam through 4 manufacturers: Blue Whale, Juliet/Cardell Export, FDA International and Harmonie. One of the reasons why this fruit is consumed strongly is because of its very affordable price while gaining long-standing trust in quality.

French apple prices are very competitive and are available across major retail channels in Vietnam.

Currently, the price of French apples at retail channels ranges from just over 60,000 VND to under 100,000 VND per kilogram. The price of organic apples is higher, ranging from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND per kilogram. Previously, there was a time when the price of French apples at the Big C system was only around 40,000 VND per kilogram, causing many people to wonder about their true origin.

“The price of French apples in the Vietnamese market is currently very competitive, so many people are wondering if they are really French apples. Therefore, in the past time, we have had to make a lot of efforts to communicate so that the market can understand clearly,” said Mr. Alexandre Bouchot - Agricultural Counselor of the French Embassy.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, foreign fruits are being imported more and more and the prices are becoming more competitive. This trend is even more evident in the period 2017 - 2018, when free trade agreements in the ASEAN region and other countries come into effect. Foreign fruits can therefore be imported more thanks to the 0% tax rate.

After the arrival of apples, France is expecting a foothold for pears, grapes, plums and kiwis in the Vietnamese market. Kiwis are considered a promising candidate because they are seasonal products. After the end of New Zealand's kiwi season, the French kiwi season begins.

According to French figures, the country's agricultural exports to Vietnam reached 200 million euros last year. In the period 2015 - 2017, the export turnover of French agricultural products to Vietnam increased by 25%. The most sold items are cheese, dairy products and fruits. Vietnam is also currently among the 20 countries importing the most dairy products from this country.

In order to maximize the opportunity to penetrate the Vietnamese market, the French Embassy said that it has chosen November to organize "French Month" with many activities promoting the cuisine and exhibitions of this country's agricultural products. Along with that, from the beginning of November to the middle of December, the "French Week" activity was "generously" organized at 39 supermarkets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There are 8 supermarket chains participating with a total of 329 days. These days there will be separate counters to introduce French products and dishes.

According to VNE