Demand for mooncakes slumps in Vietnam

Traditionally, mooncakes -- a round- or square-shaped pastry with a wheat-based crust and sweet or savory fillings -- are considered a steadfast holiday treat. The reason, many would-be customers said, was that despite discounts and sales, the mooncakes were simply unaffordable. According to Dang Huynh Giao, the stall owner, sales are even worse than they were during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of consumers purchasing mooncakes at the stall was down 20-25 percent compared to previous years, according to Nguyen Minh Thien, a salesman. Economic difficulties and rising prices are forcing people to tighten their belts, a Bao Ngoc stall owner said.