Vietnam - Moon cake makers hopeful despite economic woes

Moon-cake manufacturers remain optimistic about sales during next month’s Mid-Autumn Festival despite the continuing economic slump.

Phan Van Thien, CEO of Dong Nai-based confectioner Bibica Company, said moon-cake makers could easily enjoy good sales if they focused on quality and packaging.
Manufacturers said they have increased production by 10 to 15 percent this year to 8,000 to 8,500 tons.

Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, director of Thanh Long Confectionary Company, said consumers were willing to pay more for large cakes of better quality than small ones.

Her company sold around 70 percent of its production to companies, which usually gift moon cakes to their staff and customers, she said.

Le Van Thinh, deputy CEO of Kinh Do Bakery, said this year his company planned to make 20 percent more “high-class” cakes compared to last year.

Cam Binh, sales manager of Dai Phat Food Company, said companies were competing with each other to produce new fillings and designs to attract customers.

However, it is often a double-edged sword since consumers are not always keen on new products.

A director of a confectioner explained that for his company new flavors accounted for only 15 percent of sales since consumers still preferred traditional cakes with mixed and mung bean fillings.

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 12 this year. 

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