DIGIVESTASI - Vietnam has now become the new leader in the global durian market, with exports estimated to reach $3.3 billion (around IDR 54 trillion) in 2024, according to a recent CNBC report. This significant increase reflects an export surge that has risen 7.8 times compared to 2022.

A report from Strait Times on Thursday, January 16, 2025, stated that durians from Vietnam now account for almost 50 percent of the country's total fruit and vegetable shipments. This success is largely driven by high demand from the Chinese market, where durian is seen as a luxury fruit that is also used as an ingredient in creative cooking.

In November 2024, China imported 1.53 million tons of durians worth $6.83 billion (around IDR 111 trillion), marking a 9.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Vietnam successfully captured 47 percent of China's durian export market, surpassing Thailand.

Durian has become a trend among the middle class in China, with the emergence of innovative products such as durian hot pot, durian bread, and buffet menus themed around durian. Vietnam has capitalized on this trend by consistently supplying high-quality durians throughout the year to meet the premium market demand.

Meanwhile, Indonesia still struggles to compete. Indonesia's durian exports in 2023 were recorded at just $1.07 million (around IDR 17.5 billion), far behind Vietnam. CNBC notes that Vietnam's success is due to a comprehensive strategy, including quality improvements, technological innovation, and international market expansion.

Vietnam has also utilized more than 150,000 hectares of durian cultivation land, mainly in the Mekong Delta and highland regions, to ensure the availability of high-quality durians. The trade agreement signed in 2022 with China through the export protocol has further solidified Vietnam's position.

With measures such as the implementation of strict food safety standards, product traceability, and the use of modern freezing technology, Vietnam is now demonstrating how strategic policies can transform local agricultural products into high-value global commodities.

Vietnam's durians are known for their distinctive taste, and the durian trees in the country can reach a height of 40 meters with large, spiky fruit weighing up to five kilograms, and golden-yellow flesh.

Some well-known durian varieties in Vietnam include:

1. Ri6 Durian - Grown in Vinh Long, Cai Mon, and Ben Tre, this durian is known for its distinctive aroma, thick flesh, small seeds, and rich, sweet taste.

2. Chuong Bo Durian - Grown in the Southwest region, this durian is smaller, with greenish skin and large thorns. Its soft and sweet flesh makes it stand out from other durian types.

Vietnam also grows Musang King durians, which are considered premium and are often called "the king of durians," as well as red durians from Malaysia, which have red flesh and a unique flavor resembling dark chocolate.

Cai Mon Durian, which comes from Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta, is also recognized as one of the best in Vietnam, known for its sweet taste, thick flesh, and small seeds. These fruits are harvested between June and September and are widely sold throughout the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City.

As part of its promotion efforts, in August 2024, tourists in Dak Lak Province were given the opportunity to enjoy free durian at a local festival. The festival, which took place from August 30 to September 2, 2024, offered tours to the largest durian orchards in Vietnam, covering more than 32,000 hectares.

Krong Pac, a district with about 8,000 hectares of durian orchards, hosted the event and provided visitors with the chance to observe the durian planting and harvesting process, as well as participate in cultural activities of the local ethnic minorities. The first edition of the festival, held in 2022, attracted 60,000 visitors, both domestic and international.

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