Australian-imported Kaimana lychees are fast becoming a hot commodity in Vietnam, fetching as much as VND800,000 (US$30.35) per kilogram despite a scarcity of local varieties during the off-season.
Phuong, a fruit vendor in the Nha Be Commune of Ho Chi Minh City, reveals that she had recently imported 30 boxes of this coveted fruit. Each box, with a total weight of five kilograms, is going for a whopping VND4 million per box.
Significantly, these prices are 20% lower than the previous year due to an increase in overall supply. However, they remain seven times higher than premium local varieties such as the Luc Ngan lychees from the Bac Giang Province.
As Phuong explains, Kaimana lychees hold a premium status in Australia. They are known for their vibrant dark red skin, thick and crisp flesh, petite seeds, and a refreshing, sweet flavor.
The fruit is harvested with stems intact and air-transported for maximum freshness upon arrival. This method of transportation ensures the fruit remains fresh and crisp upon reaching consumers.
Another fruit seller, Lan Anh of Binh Thanh Ward, shares that her store has sold approximately 100 five-kilogram boxes of this fruit since mid-November. She plans to further import before the supply begins to wane in January.
Despite the high demand for Kaimana lychees, sellers like Lan Anh only import a few dozen boxes at a time due to the fruit’s short shelf life.
In the Australian market, premium lychee varieties are typically sold in five-kilogram boxes for US$80 each. Among the country’s 40 lychee varieties, Kaimana is the most common one exported to Vietnam.
The popularity of Australian lychees in Vietnam can be attributed to their arrival a few months after the local supply has been exhausted post the main season which runs from April to July.
Why are Kaimana lychees from Australia popular in Vietnam?
These lychees are popular due to their premium status, unique flavor, and their arrival in Vietnam at a time when local lychee supply is low.
How are Kaimana lychees transported from Australia to Vietnam?
These lychees are harvested with stems intact and air-freighted to Vietnam to maintain their freshness.
Why do sellers import only a few dozen boxes of Kaimana lychees at a time?
Due to the fruit’s short shelf life, sellers import only a limited quantity at a time to avoid wastage.
