The arrival of seedless lychees in Vietnam is stirring excitement among fruit enthusiasts, thanks to a recent bumper crop that has brought prices down to VND45,000-120,000. As farmers and vendors report, this year’s harvest is notably cheaper than in the past, making the delectable fruit more accessible to consumers.
Thanh Tam, who runs a fruit store in Nam Tu Liem District, revealed that the seedless lychees are a bit pricier due to their origins in China’s Hainan Province, primarily meant for the Japanese market. Buyers are often looking to gift this unique treat or indulge in a fresh experience.
In Dong Da District, Ngoc, another store owner, has imported 200 kilograms of these lychees since early June. With their striking reddish-pink skin and thick, juicy flesh, they are visually appealing. While these lychees are mostly seedless, consumers may occasionally encounter a tiny seed the size of a mung bean.
E-commerce platforms are hopping with activity as sellers offer the seedless lychees mainly in two-kilogram baskets packed with ice to maintain freshness. However, some vendors report that the fruit’s skin can discolor rapidly, resulting in mixed reviews from customers. Hoang Anh from Cau Giay District recently tried them and was left wanting. She remarked, “It had a slightly sour and bitter taste, and its skin darkened after just one day,” expressing disappointment compared to local varieties.
While some seedless lychees are also cultivated in northern Vietnam, costing around VND280,000 per kilogram, the quality has been inconsistent. In Bac Giang Province, 500 trees have been producing fruit since 2022, but yields remain low. Le Ba Thanh, deputy director of the province’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, indicated that there are currently no plans to increase production.
On a larger scale, a company in Thanh Hoa Province has taken the lead, cultivating seedless lychees on over 1,000 hectares and exporting them to markets as far as Japan and the U.K., where they command a retail price of VND800,000 per kilogram.
In a world where exotic fruits are increasingly popular, seedless lychees bring a delightful twist—who would have thought lychees would join the ranks of luxury gifts?
What is the price range for seedless lychees in Vietnam this year?
Prices range from VND45,000 to VND120,000, which is more affordable than the previous year.
Why are the seedless lychees from Hainan Province more expensive?
These lychees are primarily grown for export to the Japanese market, which drives up their price.
Is there any local competition for the seedless lychees?
Yes, there are seedless lychees grown in northern Vietnam, but their yields and quality are inconsistent compared to the imports.
