Fresh Thai Dates: A Sweet Treat Now Available Across Hanoi

Dates, a fruit native to the Middle East, have been imported into Vietnam for many years. Fresh dates, still on the branch, are now available in the Vietnamese market, with two varieties commonly found: red dates and golden dates.

According to a survey, many traders at Hanoi’s wholesale markets reported an increase in the volume of imported Thai fresh dates this year, resulting in a significant drop in prices compared to previous seasons. Previously, imported fresh dates ranged from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per kg, sometimes even reaching 600,000 VND per kg. The current prices are considered a steep discount from the old price range.

At a fruit import store on To Hieu Street in Ha Dong, fresh dates are now on offer at only 79,000 VND per kg. The seller attributed the low price to the fruit’s Thai origin.

“Fresh dates from Thailand are not imported in large quantities into Vietnam, mostly through unofficial channels,” explained a seller. “They tend to be pricier than dried dates. In terms of appearance and quality, Thai dates are comparable to those from Egypt or Namibia. The fruits boast a characteristic red or golden hue, with white flesh that offers a delicate sweetness and a hint of tartness from the skin.”

At Dich Vong Market in the old Cau Giay area, fresh Thai dates are sold for 120,000-150,000 VND per kg. A seller there commented that while it is still early in the season and the supply is limited, the prices are already much lower than last year.

Fresh Thai dates typically have a medium size, a vibrant yellow color, and a refreshing sweet taste with a hint of resinous flavor when not fully ripe. They are ideal for eating fresh or for culinary creations. In contrast, dates imported from the Middle East are often sold in their soft, ripe state or as dried fruit, offering a more intense sweetness and commanding a higher price, ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 VND per kg depending on the variety and timing.

While last year’s prices for Thai fresh dates in Vietnam ranged from 180,000 to 300,000 VND per kg, this year’s lowest recorded price is a mere 79,000 VND per kg. Compared to other imported fruits such as American grapes, Australian cherries, or New Zealand apples, fresh Thai dates are now a more affordable option, attracting a wider range of consumers beyond just the premium segment.

Retailers predict that the low prices for Thai fresh dates may persist until the end of the harvest season, after which they are expected to rise slightly as supply decreases.

Online markets offer a range of prices for fresh Thai red and golden dates, from 115,000 to 200,000 VND per kg. For the highest-quality dates, prices can exceed 300,000 VND per kg.