Ca Mau crab finds new markets through E-commerce
Ca Mau Province is finding new domestic markets for its crab via e-commerce, as farmers and young entrepreneurs turn to online sales to reduce reliance on traders.
Ca Mau crab, known for its firm meat and rich roe, has long been exported overseas. Traditionally raised in shrimp ponds and rice-shrimp fields, crabs are harvested after six months. Prices on the domestic market remain high thanks to consistent quality.
Farming has expanded across the province, with more than 1,000 households in An Xuyen Ward raising crabs. Farmers earn around 40 million dong (about USD 1,600) per harvest, selling mostly to traders who supply local markets and restaurants. Many farmers have limited access to digital sales channels.
“To buy crabs, traders come straight to us,” said To Van Chua, a farmer in An Xuyen. “Prices fluctuate with the season, from 120,000-130,000 dong (USD 4.7–5.1) per kilo for regular crab, over 200,000 dong (USD 8) for male- crab, and about 400,000 dong (USD 16) for large roe females.”
In recent years, younger sellers have turned to online platforms. Nguyen Thi Tu Trinh, from Tan Thanh Ward, livestreams sales on Facebook and TikTok during peak evening hours. After more than a year, she ships crabs to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang via air freight.
“My advantage is being from Ca Mau,” she said. “I want to bring crab to customers nationwide.”
Local authorities say e-commerce offers farmers a way to increase income and reduce reliance on middlemen. “We’re encouraging households to use e-commerce to expand markets,” said Cao Van Thom of the An Xuyen Farmers’ Association.
VFM
