Malaysian durian sales surge in China amid growing demand for naturally ripened fruit
While Thailand dominates durian sales in China, sales of the Malaysian fruit have grown tenfold from last year, industry insiders say
Malaysian durian growers are expected to expand their market share in China this year, buoyed by local consumers’ growing appetite for fresh, naturally ripened fruit.
The Southeast Asian nation’s durian exports to China have surged this year as a result of a steady supply and improved logistics, food processors and traders said on Friday.
“Fresh durians, which are transported to China by air within 48 hours of pickup, are well-received by affluent Chinese consumers,” said Guo Min, deputy marketing director with fresh fruit distributor Joy Wing Mau’s China operations. “Our Malaysian suppliers are able to increase exports of the fruit by 30 per cent this year, which has largely boosted our confidence in propelling sales here.”
Vivian Wang, marketing director at Dole Asia Holdings, echoed the sentiment.
“Fresh durians were among the fastest-growing fruits imported to China,” she said. “It creates big opportunities for growers in Malaysia.”
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Unlike Thailand and Vietnam, where pre-cutting methods are common, Malaysian durians are typically allowed to ripen naturally on the tree before they fall and are collected by farmers.