Seafood markets bustle ahead of Tet

Markets and seafood businesses in Phan Thiet, Phu Thuy, and Binh Thuan wards are already bustling with Tet shoppers, featuring an appealing array of seafood products. At Ngoc Tram Seafood Shop in Phan Thiet Market, shelves are filled with neatly displayed local dried seafood.

In addition to staples like dried squid, shrimp, dried fish, and fish sauce, customers can choose from ready-to-eat products such as seasoned squid, seasoned yellowstripe scad, and braised anchovies for personal use or gifting.

Prices differ by product type, quality, and size. Dried shrimp are priced between VND 350,000 and 1,000,000 per kilogram, while dried squid ranges from VND 400,000 to 1.5 million per kilogram. Semi-dried squid sells for about VND 550,000–650,000 per kilogram, dried yellowstripe scad for VND 200,000–300,000 per kilogram, and seasoned fish products start at tens of thousands of VND per box, depending on the variety.

Besides, fresh seafood is still a popular choice. Top-selling items include mackerel, cobia, baby squid, cuttlefish, and oily ponyfish. Current prices range from VND 260,000–280,000 per kilogram for mackerel, VND 240,000–270,000 for cobia, VND 250,000–300,000 for baby squid, VND 350,000–450,000 for cuttlefish, and VND 350,000–400,000 for oily ponyfish.

According to traders, prices of both dried and fresh seafood have increased by 10–30% compared to last year due to unstable weather, fewer fishing trips, reduced catches, and rising customers' demand.

Ms. Huynh Cu, a seafood vendor in Phu Thuy Ward, said demand rises sharply ahead of Tet as customers buy seafood for both family meals and gifts. To ensure a steady supply, she sources products early from Phu Quy processing facilities and local fishing boats, with seasonal or scarce items stocked up to a month in advance.

Despite higher prices, seafood products this year are more varied in appearance, carefully packaged, and of improved quality, drawing strong interest from both local and out-of-province customers.

Ms. Hoa, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared that she always visits local markets in Phan Thiet to buy dried and fresh seafood as gifts and for family use during Tet, noting the wide selection, reasonable prices, and reliable quality. Similarly, Ms. Hue, a resident of Phu Thuy Ward, said that seafood is an essential part of her family’s Tet meals. She added that shopping early allows her to select fresher products at lower prices compared to the days leading up to Tet.

To ensure food safety during the Tet holiday, particularly for dried seafood, Lam Dong Province has directed relevant agencies and local authorities to step up public awareness efforts and conduct regular inspections of food safety and hygiene at production facilities, businesses, shops, and markets. Any violations will be promptly identified and addressed to safeguard consumer health.