HCM City's agriculture wholesale markets have been making sure that supply of essential produce for Tết is abundant. - VNA Photo

HCM CITY – HCM City’s agriculture wholesale markets have focused on ensuring adequate supply of goods such as meat, fruits and vegetables for the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) holidays, but demand at these markets is not as high as usual.

A working group led by Nguyễn Văn Dũng, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, inspected the business and distribution activities at large agriculture wholesale markets in the city on the evening of January 22 and early January 23 morning.

Nguyễn Văn Huây, general director of the Thủ Đức Agriculture Wholesale Market, claimed market traders have a steady source of produce since they maintain good relationships with their suppliers.

They have also increased their stock of goods for the few days leading up to Tết.

The market sells fruits, vegetables and flowers that come from the city’s outer districts such as Hóc Môn and Củ Chi, other parts of the country and foreign countries such as the US, Australia and New Zealand.

At the Hóc Môn Agriculture Wholesale Market, traders have stockpiled enough pigs to ensure sufficient supply of pork for Tết and prepared cold storage for fruits and vegetables in case of supply chain disruptions.

Market officials will keep a close eye on supply and demand, and in case of problems, they will quickly notify relevant authorities to mitigate them.

They will also monitor vendors to make sure they list prices accurately.

According to the working group's inspection, the city’s agriculture wholesale markets have ensured an adequate supply, but demand is lower than usual since Tết falls close to the Western New Year, and many people had already purchased produce.

Additionally, Tết is longer than usual, leading many to prefer sought-after Tết gifts and foodstuffs for holiday trips instead of fresh produce.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many market vendors have been selling goods online, which is another reason for the low demand at their physical shops.

Dũng mentioned that while food demand during Tết is significant, markets must place a great emphasis on food safety and closely monitor the prices of goods.

The city Department of Industry and Trade will also monitor the markets during Tết to ensure businesses have adequate supply of goods. VNS