Thanh Loan recently indulged her taste buds in Ho Chi Minh City by purchasing 2 kilograms of premium Chinese cherries for nearly VND1.2 million. To her delight, these cherries were not only more affordable than their counterparts from the U.S. or Australia but also offered a significant quantity—two kilograms for the same price that would typically fetch just one.
What swung her vote in favor of Chinese cherries? It was their meticulous greenhouse cultivation, devoid of chemical fertilizers or growth stimulants, ensuring a product that is both delicious and healthy. Vendors have recently introduced Chinese cherries as a striking new option on the Vietnamese fruit scene. These cherries, resembling their Australian cousins in size, boast a sweet flavor and a satisfyingly crispy texture.
“They are harvested and air-freighted, arriving in Vietnam within one or two days, which helps maintain their freshness,” explains Han, a vendor in HCMC. However, due to limited supplies, her shop typically receives only a few dozen crates per shipment.
Phuong, a representative of an import company in the city, mentions that they have acquired approximately 100 crates of these luscious fruits. “I always recommend storing them in the refrigerator and consuming them within a week since they contain no preservatives,” she adds, highlighting the cherries’ short shelf life.
While these greenhouse cherries have begun to make their mark, a report from the Thu Duc Agricultural Wholesale Market reveals that they have not yet been officially imported, primarily due to low production levels that result in most of them being hand-carried into the country.
Yantai in Shandong Province holds the distinction of being the first region in China to pioneer greenhouse cherry cultivation. Cherries from this area are typically sold between CNY45 and CNY55 (about US$4.8–7.6). In contrast, cherries from Wafangdian in Dalian have reached a jaw-dropping CNY130 this year, marking them as the priciest cherries in China.
China’s cherry cultivation spans over 1.5 million acres, reflecting a robust 12% increase from last year. Around 50,000 acres in Shandong are devoted to greenhouse cherries, contributing 100,000 tons, or a quarter of the nation’s total production.
However, growers are grappling with soaring production costs. The construction of a single acre of greenhouse facilities in Shandong now costs about 150,000 yuan, a 12% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the daily wage for fruit pickers has surged to CNY200, representing a staggering 40% rise since 2020, and hinting at the ever-evolving landscape of fruit production.
Who knew cherry troubles could be this complex? Next time you savor your cherries, think of the journey they took to reach your table!
**What are the benefits of choosing Chinese cherries?**
Chinese cherries are cultivated in greenhouses without chemical fertilizers or growth stimulants, making them a healthier choice.
Why are these cherries in limited supply?
Their limited supply is due to ongoing low production levels, and most cherries are currently hand-carried into Vietnam.
How do the prices of Chinese cherries compare to others?
The price of Chinese cherries can provide better value, with 2 kilograms available for the same cost as just 1 kilogram of U.S. or Australian cherries.
