Market Trends of Fresh Durian Industry
Expanding Trade Market for Durians
The global trade of durian fruit is dominated by two countries, whereby China dominates the import activities with a value of USD 7.1 million. In contrast, Thailand dominated the exports with a value of USD 4.06 million, followed by China with USD 0.35 million in 2023. China's durian market is expanding rapidly, with most durian imported from Thailand. Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, and the United States follow this.
However, rising awareness related to the health benefits of durian fruit, such as blood sugar control, reducing the risk of cancer, antioxidants, antidepressants, and anti-aging properties, among consumers is prompting the demand across the countries. Thus, the demand for fruits is expanding beyond China.
Durian and mangosteen are very popular among European customers. With a good market response from Europe, Thai exporters such as Kodanmal Group Co. Ltd are expanding their export range to other regions such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East with all the necessary quality certifications. The fresh fruits are exported to the United Kingdom, and TT Meridian is the regular importer of durian in the country, which imports 3 to 4 tons every week, projecting its importance.
As per the Food and Agricultural Organization, in 2023, more than 90% of global durian exports were supplied by Thailand and about 3% each by Vietnam and Malaysia. On the other hand, China procures 95% of total global durian exports, followed by Singapore with a 3% share.
Asia-Pacific is the Largest and Fastest-Growing Region
Asia-Pacific is leading not only in production but also in terms of consumption, which essentially arises from China. Average trade unit values have increased steadily over the past 10 years in this region, with annual averages reaching around USD 5,000 per metric ton on import in 2022, a multiple of the value achieved by bananas and other tropical fruits. A new-found demand for the Malaysian Mustang King variety's creamy texture and the ever-growing demand for Mon Thong is observed in China.
Durian has become an increasingly popular fruit across Asia, and efforts are underway to develop it in the untapped Japanese market. The Japan Durian Promotion Association plans to help increase demand among Japanese consumers, increase imports, and even build production in Japan as the temperatures in Okinawa are warm enough to grow durians.
With an expanding base of health-conscious consumers and middle-income households, the durian market is further expected to boost the country as the fruit is a rich source of nutrients such as iron, vitamin C, and potassium. The demand for the fruit has reportedly emerged as an essential topping on pizzas and hotpot broths, along with increased usage of durian pulps and pastes in the foodservice industry. Thus, the fresh durian market is expected to grow rapidly in the region.
