Sticky rice dumplings, or Zongzi, are selling once again as the Dragon Boat holiday approaches. However, increases in ingredient costs creates challenges for vendors and higher prices for customers who enjoy the delicious traditional treats.
Video script:
Vendors selling sticky rice dumplings, or Zongzi, rise early and hustle throughout the day filling orders.
One vendor reports that the cost of pork has risen 40% this year, while salted duck egg yolks have gone up 10-20%. He says that since they’ve already raised their prices last year, they will try to absorb the extra costs. Not adjusting prices this year, however, means lower profits for vendors who must sell as many as they can.
This seems to be easy though, as another vendor says that he brings 50 bundles to market and sells out quickly, leaving many disappointed customers empty-handed at the end of the day.
Zongzi is one of the most traditional foods eaten during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, but many vendors have had to raise their prices. Some Zongzi have become as expensive as bento boxes, costing NT$135 for scallop filled Zongzi, though there are still many cheaper options at NT$70, $40, or even $30.
Every ingredient, from the bamboo leaf wrapping, to the savory braised meats, to the various nuts and seeds, to even the cotton string that ties these delicious sticky rice treats together, have all gone up in cost. The more ingredients used in the dumplings, the more expensive they are.
However, customers seem to accept the rising prices. One consumer says the rise in egg prices from last year’s NT$7 to this year’s NT$9, is an expense she can live with.
Every year, ingredient costs continue to rise. But Zongzi are a summer holiday favorite, and it doesn't seem that demand will be slowing down anytime soon.