Golden apple snails see high demand in Mekong Delta

In Vietnam's Mekong Delta, the invasive golden apple snail has become a highly sought-after commodity during the flood season. Large-scale collection centers in Can Tho are processing between 30 and 40 tons of snails daily, with prices ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 VND per kilogram.

Collected snails are distributed through two primary channels: approximately 70 percent are shipped whole to central Vietnam to serve as feed for lobster and marine fish farms, while the remaining 30 percent are processed for meat to be sold in local markets. For many local farmers, harvesting these snails provides a significant supplementary income during the fallow period between rice crops.

In response to the surge in trade, local authorities in Can Tho have announced plans to establish inspection teams. These teams will monitor collection facilities to ensure compliance with environmental standards and food safety regulations, while requiring businesses to commit to traceability protocols.