Chilean cherries 10% costlier than last year on lower imports

The prices of Chilean cherries are 10% higher this year at VND600,000 (US$24.4) due to lower import volumes.

Size 3JD cherries, which have a diameter of 30-32mm, are sold at VND599,000 per kilogram and VND580,000 if bought in bulk, at a fruit store on Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District.

2JD cherries measuring 28-30mm cost VND569,000 and smaller ones sell at around VND250,000-300,000.

In Hanoi too, large cherries are being sold at VND600,000.

Smaller cherries cost less because they are of lower quality and prone to bruising.

The prices are 5-10% higher than at the same time last year.

The store manager on Phan Xich Long Street said: “This year’s supply is lower than previous years. Coupled with increased shipping costs, the prices are up 10%.”

Last year Chile exported 800-1,000 tons of cherries to Vietnam, up 16% from the 688 tons in 2022, according to the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association.

As a result their prices dropped to as low as VND200,000-300,000 last year.