Overview
Pomelo is a citrus fruit that has long been grown in Vietnam, with an annual output of about 800,000 tonnes. Called 'buoi', it is an indispensable auspicious fruit at the Lunar New Year (Tet). There are many local varieties, such as Nam Roi, Da Xanh, and Dien, each with its own distinctive flavor.
Growing regions and areas
Pomelo is grown over a wide area, but Dong Nai province's Tan Chuc pomelo, Vinh Long Province's Nam Roi pomelo, and Hoa Binh Province's Dien pomelo are especially famous. The varieties from each producing area are protected by geographical indications (GI), and their brand value is established.
Cultivation methods and harvest season
The pomelo harvest runs from September to the following January, with shipments timed to the peak demand of the Lunar New Year (January to February). The first fruiting comes three to four years after planting, and mature trees over eight years old produce 100 to 200 fruits each. In recent years, the development of seedless varieties and production technology for high-quality fruit for Tet have advanced.
Exports and market trends
Pomelo is mainly for domestic consumption, but in recent years exports to Europe, the Americas, and Asia are also increasing. During the Tet period, domestic prices rise to two to three times the usual level, so the domestic market is the most profitable sales channel for farmers. The development of processed products such as pomelo essential oil and juice has also begun.
Connections with Japan
Vietnamese pomelo can be imported to Japan, and products that clear plant quarantine conditions are imported in small quantities. Awareness in the Japanese market is still low, but it is becoming a sight at Vietnamese restaurants and Asian grocery stores. Comparisons of its flavor with the Japanese pomelo (buntan) sometimes draw attention.
