In the days leading up to Tet, the trading atmosphere at Binh Dien wholesale market - the largest wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City becomes busier than usual. Besides the fresh seafood area, the dry goods business hall, considered the largest dried goods capital of the city, operates continuously from 5 am to 5 pm, playing the role of "blood vessel" supplying the Southern market.
This year, the Tet goods list here is particularly diverse. From traditional items such as sausage, dried shrimp, dried squid to Mekong Delta specialties such as dried snakehead fish, dried snakehead fish... all are sold in abundance at the stalls. Goods are classified by size and quality, meeting many customer segments, from small retailers to people buying for household use.
Many people take advantage of shopping early to avoid overload in the days leading up to Tet. Ms. Dang My Hanh (Binh Dong ward) said that every year her family goes to Binh Dien market to buy dried goods. "There are many goods here, you can choose good ones, and the price is also more affordable than buying retail compared to outside. This year I bought dried shrimp, dried squid and a little dried snakehead fish to treat guests" - Ms. Hanh said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Long Hai (Binh Hung ward) shared that he bought goods to send back to his hometown to give to relatives. "Dried shrimp and dried squid here are of good quality, carefully packaged. Although the price of some types has slightly increased, it is still acceptable because it's Tet" - Mr. Hai said.
According to records, although affected by weather factors causing input material sources to fluctuate at times, the prices of some items increased slightly compared to the previous year, but small traders said they still try to maintain the most reasonable price to stimulate consumer demand.
Mr. Do Viet Tam - specializing in dried shrimp business said that sales volume increased sharply in the days leading up to Tet. "This year, the source of dried shrimp is quite abundant, and prices are generally stable. Depending on the type, delicious shrimp costs more than 1 million VND/kg. Customers not only buy them for Tet but also buy them as gifts, so purchasing power is very good" - Mr. Tam shared.
Many small traders said that wholesalers from the Eastern, Western and Central regions have placed early orders to promptly distribute to the market before the Tet peak.
Mr. Nguyen Dang Phu - Deputy Director of Binh Dien Market Business Management Company, said that for dried seafood items, the output imported into the market in the days leading up to Tet increased by an average of 20-30% compared to normal days, reaching about 9.5-11 tons/day. "The focus is on items that are used a lot during Tet such as dried shrimp, dried squid, dried snakehead fish, goby fish... These are all high-value commodity groups, serving consumer and gift needs" - Mr. Phu informed.
According to the Market Management Board, to ensure stable and safe food supply during peak seasons, quality control and traceability of goods are strengthened. At the same time, the market also arranges forces to ensure security and order, fire prevention and fighting to serve smooth trading activities.
With the role of the largest distribution hub in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Dien market not only contributes to stabilizing the dry goods market during Tet but also helps connect goods from provinces to the city and vice versa. In the bustling pace of the year-end shopping season, the dry goods hall still lights up every day, ensuring abundant supply for the Tet reunion meal of southern families.
