International tourists snap up Phu Quoc fish sauce ahead of Tet

In recent days, traditional fish sauce barrel houses across Phu Quoc have welcomed many visitors from Russia, the United States, China, and other countries.

These visitors have combined sightseeing with shopping for local specialties, with Phu Quoc fish sauce topping their lists, according to observations by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters.

Many tourists say they are particularly drawn to the island’s long-standing fish sauce making tradition, which relies on wooden fermentation barrels and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

Akvile, a tourist from Russia, said her family first visited Vietnam about a decade ago, when they bought their first bottle of fish sauce.

Since then, the condiment has become a staple in her household.

On this return visit to Phu Quoc, she sought out local barrel houses to learn about the production process and purchase several bottles to take home.

“We are really impressed by how people in Phu Quoc produce fish sauce with such deep and rich flavor,” she said, adding that among the many varieties available, she chose a two-year-old product for its distinctive taste.

Tran Thanh Thanh Dat, owner of the Huynh Khoa fish sauce barrel house in Phu Quoc, said the traditional Phu Quoc fish sauce market has shown clear signs of recovery ahead of Tet, which falls on February 17.

Demand has come not only from tourists but also from state agencies and traders at major wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City, who purchase the products for home use, resale, and Tet gifts.

Beyond bottled fish sauce, producers on the island have upgraded product quality, refreshed designs and packaging, and expanded their product ranges to cater to Tet gift baskets.

These typically feature Phu Quoc specialties such as sugar-coated pepper and fish sauce, with prices ranging from VND500,000 to VND800,000 per basket, roughly US$19.2–30.8.

Dat said strong demand this year has pushed prices up by around 20 percent compared with previous years, with international tourists accounting for a growing share of purchases.

According to the Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Association, the island is currently home to 45 traditional fish sauce barrel houses, operating around 7,000 wooden fermentation barrels.

Annual output is estimated at 20-30 million liters, supplying both domestic and overseas markets, where Phu Quoc fish sauce is gaining a stronger foothold.