Mooncake prices increased this year

“Last year I bought a box of four cakes, 150 grams each, for only about 700,000 VND. This year the price increased to 830,000-850,000 VND,” she said.

Surveys at some stores in Ho Chi Minh City show that the price of moon cakes this year increased by 3-20% over the same period, depending on the facility and segment. The common increase is 5-10%.

At a store on Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, two-egg abalone mooncakes are currently priced at 195,000 VND per piece, an increase of more than 8% compared to 180,000 VND last year. Taro fillings, coconut milk lotus seeds, and red beans also increased by about 7%.

With some big brands, 150 gram mixed cake with one egg costs 240,000-270,000 VND per piece, an increase of about 10% over the same period. 200 grams, two eggs, cost about 300,000 VND. 4-wheel cake boxes cost 700,000 VND to one million VND, depending on the type.

According to production facilities, increased prices of raw materials, labor and packaging are the main factors causing cake prices to be adjusted this year.

Mr. Tran Tien Dung, owner of a moon cake establishment with more than 10 years of operation on Ho Bieu Chanh Street, Cau Kieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, said that the price of raw materials for making cakes this year increased by about 40%, while the cost of hiring workers increased by 30-40%. The cost of boxes and packaging also increased. Therefore, his facility adjusted the average selling price by about 15% per box compared to last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

According to Mr. Dung, purchasing power has not increased significantly because the market is just in season and consumers are still cautious in spending. However, orders from businesses for gifts and gratitude to customers and employees show signs of increasing. This year, his facility plans to produce about 100,000 cakes, double last year’s.

Large businesses adjust prices less. KIDO said this year’s cake prices increased by 3-5% depending on the type, some products remained the same. General Director Tran Le Nguyen said the business has received orders from thousands to millions of products and aims to double output by 2025.

Orion plans to supply nearly 300 tons of cakes, an increase of 10-15% compared to the previous season, while the prices of some lines increased by 2-3%. Phuc Long’s price remains almost the same, with retail cakes priced at 149,000 VND and gift boxes priced at 669,000-989,000 VND.

While many brands’ cakes have increased in price, homemade cakes online are priced significantly lower. Surveys on online platforms show that this type is commonly sold for 27,000-95,000 VND per unit, depending on weight and filling; Large mixed cake is about 140,000 VND. Gift boxes with many flavors cost 150,000-480,000 VND.

Products are also more diverse, from traditional fillings to tiramisu, melted egg lava or mochi. However, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety recommends that buyers be cautious with cakes sold online, especially products without clear information about the production facility and origin of ingredients.