People are preferring confectionery products from Vietnamese manufacturers than foreign products in preparing for the coming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Wholesale markets of Ben Thanh, An Dong, Tan Dinh and Binh Tay are offering traditional candied lotus, coconuts, squash, soursop and sweet potatos from local brands such as Bao Hien Rong Vang, Bao Minh, and Thai Huong.

Most are competitively priced at VND150,000-200,000 (US$6.6-8.8) per kilogramme.

Phung Thi Mai, who owns a stall at Binh Tay Market in District 6, said though confectionery imported from Thailand, Australia and the US are selling well, customers like Vietnamese products such as sunflower seeds, cashews and pistachio nuts.

Sunflower seeds cost VND120,000-140,000 ($5.3-6.2) per kilogram, while cashew and pistachio nuts are priced from VND350,000 – 400,000 ($15.4-17.6).

According to Mai, 70 per cent of confectionery products in Binh Tay market are from Vietnamese manufacturers.

In big supermarkets such as BigC and Coopmart, traditional jams by local brands such as Huong Viet and Golden Farm are popular.

They are offered at affordable prices, such as VND100,000-190,000 ($4.4-8.4) for a kilogram.

Nguyen Thanh Mai from District 10 said in previous years, she had bought imported products from the whole markets. But this year, she chose products from famous Vietnamese brands in the supermarket to ensure quality.

“Confectionery by big brands like Kinh Do, Hai Ha and Bibica are packed in colourful tin boxes and sold at reasonable prices,” she said.

Organic products

The demand for organic rice, vegetables and fruits spike on this occasion as well.

Famous organic farms such as Nong Gia Mien Tay and Hello Rice produce their sweets made from organic fruits to serve the market in Tet.

The candied fruits are priced from VND50,000-80,000 ($2.2-3.5) per package of 350 grams.

This year’s market also sees the popularity of mushroom floss made from organic mushrooms.

Although pricey at VND1.2 million ($53) per kilogram, it has sold like hotcakes.

Phan Van Hiep, who lives in District 11, said: “Today people love clean food to ensure their health. I choose organic products from prestigious manufacturers to prepare for Tet.” — VNS