Year on year FMCG sales in Vietnam soared in the 12 weeks to January 26 – thanks to the peak season of Tet, or Lunar New Year.

Kantar Worldpanel revealed sales of fast moving consumer goods in rural and urban areas rose 22 per cent and 13 per cent in value, respectively.

Beverages led the growth with a 24 per cent increase in value consumption among urban households and 43 per cent in rural.

Meanwhile, after a long time of stagnancy, packaged food bounce back strongly with double-digit growth, partly thanks to high consumer demand for confectionery and cooking additives in Tet, it said.

In terms of shopping channels, ministores, including minimarkets and convenience stores, continue to expand its coverage among urban neighbourhoods.

Kantar found out 23 per cent of urban families shop at ministores at least once in 2013.