Vietnamese grapefruit exports skyrocket
VOV.VN - After officially entering the United States and New Zealand markets, the nation’s grapefruit exports during the opening eight months of the year increased sharply by 144% against the same period from last year, according to details given by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.
Statistics indicate that along with durian, grapefruit was also the fruit recording the highest export growth in the reviewed period with turnover reaching US$29.6 million, representing a rise of 144% against the same period from last year and witnessing the strongest increase over the past five years.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that previously, Vietnamese grapefruit was only exported to the EU or the Middle East markets.
However, thanks to signing an official export protocol to the US and New Zealand, grapefruit exports have experienced sudden growth from the end of last year until now. Furthermore, many countries favour Vietnamese green-skinned pomelo due to its superior quality.
Sharing this perspective, Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vina T&T Import-Export Company, revealed that Vietnamese pomelos in the US market typically face fierce competition from Chinese and Mexican rivals.
At present, Chinese pomelos are sold at only US$2 per kilo, while Vietnamese grapefruit is traded at US$9 per kilo, representing a 4.5–fold rise with US consumers placing a bulk orders.
Tung pointed out that Vietnamese grapefruit entering the US market face a number of challenges in terms of price and preservation compared to Chinese products.
He advised businesses to create the highest quality products possible as these demanding markets have paid close attention to product quality and consumers' health.
According to US regulations, growing areas and processing facilities for Vietnamese fresh grapefruit must be registered with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) before being exported to the US market.
Late last year, fresh grapefruit officially become the nation’s seventh fruit to enter the US market after mango, longan, lychee, dragon fruit, rambutan, and star apple. Similarly, this fruit was also officially exported to New Zealand from December, 2022.
According to the Plant Protection Department, Vietnamese fresh grapefruit has been exported to 12 countries and territories around the world.
