Since September 8th, the supply chains of large distribution systems have focused their resources on providing goods to provinces and cities affected by the third storm and post-storm floods. At this point, fresh produce, instant noodles, and daily necessities are the top priorities, so retail systems prioritize transporting these items to the North.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Deputy General Director of the WinMart chain, said that all four WinEco farms in the North, including Ha Nam, Quang Ninh, Tam Dao, and Hai Phong, were completely destroyed. The fields were flooded, and the greenhouses collapsed and lost their roofs, resulting in almost complete crop failure. However, nearly 100 tons of essential vegetables are being transported daily from the South and Lam Dong to the North.
This is WinEco’s effort to ensure a stable supply of vegetables for the people while compensating for the shortage caused by the damage to the northern farms after Storm Yagi, especially popular vegetables such as spinach, sweet cabbage, green mustard, bitter melon, squash, bitter gourd, and many other items. Notably, WinEco’s agricultural products, sold at WinMart, WinMart+, and WIN supermarkets and stores, have not increased in price, helping to stabilize the market.
“Currently, the transportation of goods from the Supra warehouse to WinMart supermarkets and WinMart+/WiN stores is facing challenges due to flooding and landslides in the northern provinces. However, we have promptly implemented solutions to ensure the timely supply of goods to serve the people. We guarantee that our warehouses remain well-stocked and ready to distribute to supermarkets and stores,” affirmed Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung.
Similarly, Ms. Tran Thu Quynh, Director of Procurement for the North and Central regions of Aeon Vietnam, said that some roads in the North were flooded, hindering the movement of goods and prolonging transportation time. However, Aeon Vietnam is actively coordinating with suppliers to find solutions to ensure a stable supply of goods to meet the people’s needs.
According to Ms. Quynh, to accompany people in peaceful shopping during the flood season, Aeon’s department stores and supermarkets in the North have increased their orders from suppliers by two to three times, especially for green vegetables and fresh produce. Moreover, due to the increased demand for vegetables and fruits, Aeon Vietnam has been working with suppliers to transport nearly ten tons of goods daily from Da Lat.
The GO! and Big C supermarket systems, under Central Retail Vietnam, have also doubled their supply of various vegetables compared to regular days. On average, each shipment from Da Lat to the Central and Northern regions has increased from 40 tons/trip to 75-80 tons. As of September 10, Central Retail Vietnam has delivered three shipments to GO! and Big C supermarkets in the North, totaling approximately 150 tons of vegetables and fruits. Promotional programs offering discounted prices are still being applied by GO!, Big C, and Tops Market.
MM Mega Market is also increasing its food reserves due to concerns about possible disruptions in the supply chain in severely affected localities, ensuring a sufficient supply of fresh produce such as vegetables, meat, etc., throughout the Northern provinces, especially Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. “MM Mega Market has increased to two truckloads of vegetables and fruits transported daily from Binh Duong and Lam Dong to Hanoi (equivalent to 16 tons). We are committed to maintaining a stable supply and pledge not to increase prices, especially for fresh produce such as vegetables, meat, and fish,” said a representative of MM Mega Market.
Before the super typhoon Yagi made landfall, Co.opmart supermarkets in the North proactively tripled their reserve stocks compared to regular days, focusing on vegetables, rice, instant noodles, vermicelli, sugar, cooking oil, and monosodium glutamate. The Northern Distribution Center of Saigon Co.op (in Bac Ninh province) is in its most urgent state, operating 24/7 with the task of processing and coordinating vehicle dispatch. The number of vehicles directed by Saigon Co.op from other centers to serve the Northern market alone has tripled compared to regular days.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op, said: “At the same time, we continuously reinforce the supply of fresh produce from the Central, Highlands, and Southeast regions to support our supermarkets in the North.” Specifically, Saigon Co.op has ordered more than 200 tons of water spinach, sweet cabbage, winter melon, napa cabbage, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, bell pepper, squash, gourd, grapefruit, banana, mango, watermelon, honeydew melon, and orange from farms, cooperatives, and businesses and will continuously transport them from the South to the North.
On September 11, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued an urgent dispatch on focusing on overcoming the consequences of the third storm and post-storm floods, landslides, and flash floods. The ministry requested the deployment of a task force on providing and regulating essential goods in affected areas to directly grasp the market situation and the demand for essential goods. It also called for the regulation of goods between provinces and cities affected by floods and those unaffected to ensure a stable supply of essential goods to the former.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to follow the directions of the Prime Minister and regularly monitor and report on the situation in the localities. It will provide specific and timely directions in coordinating with relevant units to regulate and transport goods to serve the people affected by the third storm.
Previously, on September 9 and 10, the Ministry of Industry and Trade sent urgent dispatches to the People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities, as well as enterprises producing and distributing essential goods, on ensuring the supply of goods to flooded areas and stabilizing the market after the storm.
The Great Supermarket Sweep: Hanoi Edition
“With the threat of flooding looming over several districts in Hanoi, residents are stocking up on essential food supplies, particularly fresh produce and meat. The sudden surge in demand has kept supermarket food aisles busy, with stocks being continuously replenished, only to be quickly snapped up by anxious shoppers.”
Free Relief Goods Airlift for Northern Flood Victims
Essential goods and supplies for the flood-affected communities in Northern Vietnam are being prioritized for free transportation on Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines flights.
The Soaring Prices of Groceries: “Empty Shelves as Food Prices Skyrocket”
In Hanoi’s traditional markets, the prices of vegetables and fruits have skyrocketed. Meanwhile, a sudden surge of shoppers at many supermarkets has led to a shortage of food and fresh produce.
“Free Transport of Relief Goods to the North by Rail and Air”
From September 11th, the railway sector and domestic airlines will offer free transportation for relief goods to those affected by Storm No. 3.
Northern Flood Relief: Supermarkets Pledge Steady Supply, No Price Hike
Representing multiple supermarket chains, spokespersons shared that as soon as they received news of Typhoon Yagi, they doubled their stock and maintained prices to ensure they could cater to consumers’ needs.
