Vietnamese tầm bóp fruit and catfish command premium prices overseas

The wild‑growing tầm bóp fruit (also known as thù lù or lantern fruit) from Vietnam has become a high‑priced specialty in European supermarkets, fetching £12.5‑20 per kilogram in the UK and similar rates in other EU markets. In Japan it is sold fresh, dried or processed, with a 100‑gram tray priced around ¥338. Researchers note the fruit’s rich content of fiber, protein, vitamin C and bioactive compounds with potential anti‑inflammatory and immune‑boosting effects.

Vietnam’s freshwater catfish, cá rô phi (pangasius), is promoted as a nutritious, low‑cost alternative to salmon. A 100‑gram cooked portion provides about 26 g of protein and essential omega‑3, vitamins and minerals. Retail prices are VND 50‑80 000 per kilogram, roughly one‑tenth the cost of imported salmon. The species is now exported to the United States, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the Middle East and ASEAN nations. In the first two months of 2025, exports reached over US$5 million, with the U.S. accounting for about 47 % of that value, reflecting growing global demand for affordable, protein‑rich seafood from Vietnam.