Tet tree trends shift: persimmon branches capture customer interest

Traditional Tet trees struggle with sales, while affordable persimmon branches attract increasing attention from customers.

Due to prolonged natural disasters, this year’s Tet peach blossoms and kumquat trees have been criticized for their lackluster appearance, resulting in sluggish sales and anxious vendors. Meanwhile, a surprising contender has emerged as a popular alternative.

Challenges for peach blossoms and kumquat trees

Quang Ba Flower Market (Tay Ho District) is a place where many flowers and ornamental plants are sold in Hanoi.

At Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District, vendors have been showcasing Tet trees and flowers for weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year.

Trinh Thi Nga, a local vendor, noted that peach blossoms, especially those from Nhat Tan Village, are scarcer and pricier this year due to Typhoon No. 3, which struck four months ago.

"Normally, two weeks before Tet, customers are bustling with purchases. But this year, sales are significantly slower," she said.

Kumquat trees are facing similar issues. Vendors on Lac Long Quan Street lamented that this year’s trees are less attractive, with sparser fruits and leaves.

Nguyen Cong Vinh, a vendor, struggled to sell a small kumquat tree for 200,000 VND after much persuasion. “Even though I carefully selected the best trees from Tu Lien, sales remain challenging,” he said.

Prices for tabletop kumquat trees range from 200,000 to 350,000 VND, an increase of about 50,000 VND compared to last year. Despite this, many potential buyers leave without making a purchase, citing the lack of quality and high prices.

A surprising alternative: persimmon branches

Mrs. Trinh Thi Nga (a vendor) shared that the price of peach blossoms this year is slightly higher than last year, especially the Nhat Tan peach blossoms, due to a limited supply caused by the impact of Typhoon No. 3 four months ago.

In the midst of slow sales for traditional Tet trees, large persimmon branches have unexpectedly gained popularity.

One vendor at Lac Long Quan Market, who brought in a small batch of persimmon branches "just for fun," was surprised by the demand.

“These branches are a bit unique, easy to arrange, and require no maintenance. A large branch costs only 300,000 to 800,000 VND, much cheaper than ornamental peach trees,” he explained.

Customers are increasingly opting for persimmon branches, finding them affordable and aesthetically pleasing. One woman, after browsing peach trees, decided on a persimmon branch for 400,000 VND. “It’s a refreshing choice for Tet decorations,” she said.

As Tet approaches, vendors remain hopeful for improved sales during the final days before the holiday. However, with peach blossoms and kumquat trees struggling to attract buyers, alternatives like persimmon branches may continue to rise in popularity.