Consumers should buy Tet confectionery products only from reputed sellers (Source: VNA) HCMCity (VNA) – Confectionery companies are beefing up production anddistribution to meet the demand for Tet (LunarNew Year), which falls on February 12 next year, though sales are expected tobe somewhat lower this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, leading domesticconfectioners like Bibica, Kinh Do Mondelez and Topcake have basicallycompleted their plans to stockpile goods with improved design and quality atvarious price points.
With consumers likely to tighten their purse strings amidst the ongoingeconomic crunch, they have focused more on launching products with attractivedesigns, good quality and reasonable prices that can serve as Tet gifts.
Most are competitively priced at 200,000 VND (8.7 USD) per item in the affordablesegment and 2-3 million VND (87-130 USD) in the high-end segment.
According to the department, large retailers are likely to have two or threetimes their normal inventories though most are reluctant to announce theirexact business plans.
Due to negative factors like the pandemic and floods in the central region,demand during the holiday might be lower than normal, many businesses feared.
They needed to utilise online channels and spend more on marketing andpromotions, they said.
With Vietnam boasting a large internet community and a young, digital-savvypopulation, the domestic e-commerce market is buzzing with activity ahead ofthe festival.
As the nation modernises and integrates further, online shopping is set tobecome a habit for many facilitated by factors like diversification of servicesand products, quick transaction and payment and attractive promotions.
To better protect consumers’ health, authorities in HCM City have takenmeasures to ensure food safety and hygiene both at traditional markets andonline.
The city has set up inspection teams to inspect safety and hygiene and prices.
The inspections will focus on production, processing and trading facilities ofproducts such as meat, beverages, alcoholic drinks, and confectionery.
However, it is also incumbent on consumers to be alert when shopping and rejectproducts of unknown origin.
If they end up buying counterfeit or poor quality goods, they need to notifythe authorities./.
VNA
