The golden-yellow Chinese plum has burst onto the Vietnamese fruit scene, boasting a subtle fragrance, crisp texture, and a hint of delicate sweetness. Its size surpasses that of traditional Vietnamese plums, positioning it as a rival to pricier fruits like seedless lychees and milk grapes, which once ruled the marketplace.
At a premium fruit shop in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, owner Tuyet shared her enthusiasm after selling over 200 kilograms of this new plum variety within just two weeks of importing it. “Customers often return after their first try,” she remarked, alluding to the fruit’s growing popularity.
As if on cue, online vendors have ramped up their marketing efforts for this specialty fruit. Le Thoa, an importer of exotic fruits, praised the unique qualities of the Chinese plum, comparing it favorably to her past offerings from Chile and Australia. “It has golden flesh and is as crisp as Vietnamese plums with a mild sweetness that’s easy to enjoy without overwhelming the palate,” she explained, perhaps envisioning a fan base of budding plum enthusiasts.
Currently, these plums are either hand-carried or imported in small quantities due to the lack of a formal trade agreement between Vietnam and China. Nguyen Lien, a trader in the border province of Lao Cai, revealed that the wholesale prices have skyrocketed, reaching VND300,000 per kilogram.
Cultivated predominantly in regions like Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Miyun County, this plum variety has a substantial agricultural footprint. In Yunnan and Xinjiang alone, the golden plum occupies thousands of hectares, while in Miyun, approximately 660 hectares are designated for premium plum cultivation.
The plum’s primary harvest season occurs from late June to August, a window that Vietnamese consumers will likely be eagerly watching. According to customs data, Vietnam imported $402 million worth of fruits and vegetables from China in the first half of this year, capturing 33.5% of total imports in this category. This statistic cements China’s position as Vietnam’s largest supplier of fresh produce, and it looks like the golden plum is ready to take its rightful place on the fruit crown.
What makes the golden Chinese plum stand out in the Vietnamese market?
The golden Chinese plum is larger than traditional Vietnamese plums and offers a unique flavor profile with its crisp texture and mild sweetness, appealing to consumers looking for something new.
How has the reception been for this fruit among consumers?
Retailers like Tuyet have reported strong sales, with returning customers indicating that the plum is becoming a popular choice among fruit lovers.
What are the challenges faced in importing these plums to Vietnam?
Imports are currently limited to hand-carried shipments or small volume imports due to the absence of a formal trade agreement between Vietnam and China, impacting the supply chain for this fruit.
