The King of Fruits: Where Does Vietnam’s Durian Industry Stand?

Unraveling the Durian Conundrum: Navigating Challenges for a Sustainable Industry

According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Vietnam’s durian cultivation area has increased nearly sixfold in the past decade, currently reaching approximately 180,000 hectares, with an estimated production of 1.5 million tons. This remarkable growth has transformed durian into a key fruit in the country’s agricultural production structure.

In 2024, Vietnam’s durian exports witnessed impressive growth, becoming a leading item in the fruit and vegetable industry. The export volume and value were estimated at approximately 1.5 million tons and over $3.3 billion, respectively, with a cultivation area of nearly 180,000 hectares. This remarkable performance accounted for nearly 50% of the country’s total fruit and vegetable export turnover.

In 2024, China was the main market for Vietnamese durian, accounting for nearly 91% of the country’s total durian export turnover, with a value of over $2.9 billion. Other markets, including Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and Cambodia, also showed significant growth in durian imports from Vietnam.

However, in the first four months of this year, durian exports took an unexpected downturn, with a total turnover of just $120-130 million, equivalent to 35,000 tons, which is only 20% of the set plan. This is the most significant decline in the past three years, dragging down the value of the entire industry. The main reason for this setback is China’s heightened quality control measures for imported durian since the beginning of the year. The tightening of quarantine standards, residue limits for cadmium and yellow O, and traceability requirements have resulted in the rejection of many batches that failed to meet the new criteria, causing a disruption in the consumption chain.

At the conference on “Developing a Sustainable Durian Industry” held on May 24 in Dak Lak, Mr. Vo Quan Huy, Director of Huy Long An Company, shared his insights. He acknowledged that while Vietnam has an advantage in terms of year-round supply, there are challenges in maintaining quality control. Lax management of planting area codes and packaging facilities not only impacts traceability but also undermines the reputation of Vietnamese durian in the international market.

Mr. Mai Xuan Thinh, General Director of Rong Do Company, offered his perspective: “If we want to develop sustainably, Vietnam cannot go it alone.” He suggested collaborating with countries that have a well-developed industry, such as Thailand, to jointly build a regional brand and establish a competitive edge in large markets like China.

Mr. Vu Phi Ho, representing Sarita Company, warned about the “mixing of good and bad” due to the unchecked operation of packaging facilities that do not meet the required standards. This situation could severely impact the reputation of the entire industry.

Mr. Ho suggested that the MAE needs to implement solutions for updating planting area data, establishing unified standards for fertilizer and pesticide use, and approaching the development of the durian industry from a broader perspective beyond just exports.

“The expansion of planting areas must go hand in hand with enhancing production capacity,” he emphasized. “If we sell rejected exports to our domestic market, it is not sustainable development. We must respect both domestic and international consumers. Only when the value chain is transparent, quality is consistent, and business ethics are prioritized will Vietnamese durian truly conquer the global market.”

Adequate Investment for a National Key Product

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Do Duc Duy, Minister of MAE, asserted that the quality of Vietnamese durian is now on par with that of Thailand and Malaysia, which are considered the powerhouses of durian in the region. However, to firmly establish Vietnamese durian in the international market, Minister Duy highlighted that “quality and safety are necessary but not sufficient.” He proposed that the product’s packaging and presentation need to be standardized to create a strong impression in terms of sensory appeal, color, and branding in the global market.

Minister Do Duc Duy suggested that in the long term, there is a need to form a sustainable durian industry chain, encompassing production, processing, consumption, and the establishment of a national brand. The MAE is ready to “place orders” with research institutes, universities, and businesses to implement science and technology projects serving the goal of elevating this industry.

“If durian is considered a national strategic product, then adequate investment is imperative,” Minister Duy emphasized. He called on the business community to proactively propose specific programs and projects to swiftly turn this vision into actionable plans.