HCMC - Local consumers have the opportunity to savor fresh Canadian cherries at a tasting event held in HCMC’s District 7 on Saturday to celebrate the Canadian cherry season.
The cherry tasting event was organized for the first time in HCMC by the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam, the Consulate General of Canada in HCMC, Co.op Extra supermarket and Nam Chan Food Corporation.
As a leader in growing, storing and processing fruits in innovative and environmentally responsible ways, Canada is known globally for their blueberries, peaches, pears, plums, apples and raspberries.
Barbara Nadeau, commercial counselor of Canada in Vietnam, told the event that Canada’s finest quality cherries are from British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province on the Pacific Coast. “The Government of Canada has invested greatly in its cherry industry and has developed cherry varieties that feature high sugar, firmness, and a full eight week season, starting in late June or early July,” she added.
In 2015, Canadian exports of fresh cherries to Vietnam increased by nearly 50%. Overall, exports of Canadian fresh fruits (including cherries and Ambrosia apples) have increased by 80% to nearly C$4 million (US$3.08 million) in 2015.
Local consumers can now purchase Canadian cherries packaged in convenient plastic cups at a retailed price of VND112,000 (nearly US$5) per 300 gram at Co.op Extra supermarkets.
Agri-food is an important and growing part of Canada-Vietnam bilateral trade, representing more than half of Canada’s total exports to Vietnam. Canadian exports of agri-food and seafood in 2015 totaled C$353.6 million, up by 48.1% from 2014.
Canada celebrates cherry season in town
