07 Nov Unravelling the Global Trend of Durian: A Deep Dive
Durian, once just a local favourite in Southeast Asia, has exploded onto the global stage. It’s gone from being a bit of a smelly secret to a full-blown craze.
This surge in popularity is evident in recent events, such as China’s recent purchase of a whopping 40 tonnes of fresh Malaysian durian in just one day!
Its popular demand highlights the need to expand the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) to encompass durian commodities as well.
As the world’s leading durian producer, our country has seen massive growth in durian farming thanks to government support, tech advancements, and, of course, the rising demand.
The future looks even brighter for the durian industry. With people earning more money, getting more health-conscious, and changing their tastes, there’s a huge opportunity for durian products beyond the traditional whole fruit.
Interested in getting a piece of the durian pie? Let’s dive into the latest global trends and figure out how to make a buck off this delicious fruit.
Global Durian Market Trends
If you want to make it big in the durian business, you need to know your stuff. That means keeping an eye on market trends, thinking about long-term growth, and understanding what people around the world want.
Right now, fresh durian is a hot topic. It’s expected to grow at a steady pace, with a CAGR of 9.40% from 2024 to 2029. By 2029, the market value could hit a whopping USD 15.43 billion!
China’s still the biggest durian fan, but more and more people in Europe, the Middle East, and the US are getting into it, too. They’re realising how good durian is for your health and how unique its flavour is.
Additionally, the durian’s unique flavour has made it a popular ingredient in the food industry, appealing to consumers seeking new and exotic culinary experiences.
All these factors together are driving up demand for durian. So, if you’re thinking about getting into the durian business, the timing looks pretty good!
In Malaysia, the durian industry is booming thanks to both local and international demand. This growth is expected to rake in a massive RM238.4 billion by 2033.
Among the popular durian product exports to different countries include frozen and processed Musang King and D24 durians to China and the first D24 variety to Saudi Arabia during the pandemic.
As one of the top tropical fruit producers in the world, Malaysia is a major player in the Asia-Pacific durian market. Our Musang King is especially popular in China, and it tastes way different from Thai durians.
Check out this Durian Market Analysis – Trends, Growth & Market Opportunities (2024) article to discover the lucrative opportunities and potential returns.
Trending Durian Products
Durian isn’t just a whole fruit anymore! There are tons of new durian products popping up, and people love them.
Let’s check out some of the latest trends:
1. Upstream Products
When we talk about “upstream” durian products, we’re basically talking about the raw materials and intermediate goods that form the foundation of the durian value chain.
These are the essential components for all the other tantalising durian products you can find.
Trending Key Upstream Durian Products:
1. Fresh Durian
Fresh whole durians are the most classic, must-have durian experience, and fundamental durian product. Straight from the tree, they’re the foundation of everything else durian whether sold directly to consumers or processed into other products.
However, shipping and storing fresh durians isn’t as simple as throwing them in a box. They require special packaging and storage to stay fresh and safe during transportation.
Durian pulp is like a pre-opened durian with its meat and seeds from the fruit, already taken out of the shell. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy durian without all the mess.
Plus, there’s even more you can do with durian! The seeds can be used to make oil or other products. So, whether you prefer whole durians, pulp, or something else, there’s a durian option for everyone.
High-quality durian paste is a more versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of food and drinks. It’s perfect for restaurants and cafes that want to create high-quality products with a unique durian flavour.
Thanks to this product, we’re seeing more and more durian-based snacks, drinks, and desserts popping up. It’s definitely a game-changer for the durian industry!
2. Downstream Products
Downstream durian products, such as durian-flavoured snacks, beverages, and desserts, are produced from upstream durian products like fresh durians, pulp, and seeds.
These value-added products offer a wider range of options for consumers, helping the durian industry grow even bigger.
Trending Key Downstream Durian Products:
1. Durian-Flavoured Snacks
Durian has taken the snack world by storm! From savoury chips and cakes to sweet ice cream, gelato, and pizza, there’s a durian-flavoured snack for everyone.
Even classic treats like mooncakes and drinks like coffee and tea have gotten the durian twist.
With so many delicious options to choose from, it’s no wonder durian-flavoured snacks are becoming so popular.
3. Seedlings
Besides consumable durian products, selling premium durian seedlings has also been expanding due to its growing interest in durian cultivation, potential profits, and home gardening trends.
If you’re thinking about starting your own durian plantation, you’ll need to find a reputable durian supplier for seedlings and some expert advice.
Major companies like Top Fruits are expanding their offerings to include durian seedlings with top-notch genetics. It’s a great time to get involved in the durian business, whether you’re a foodie or a farmer.
Read more on the meteoric rise of durian investment opportunities in this article: The Golden Opportunity: Durian Plantation Investment.
Malaysia’s Durian Dominance: A Global Export in Durian Trade
People are loving durian more than ever! With more money to spend, a focus on health, and changing tastes, the demand for durian is skyrocketing.
Malaysia is in a great position to capitalise on this. We’re known for our high-quality durians and have seen exports soar by a whopping 107% from 2016 to 2021.
In fact, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries, Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah, back in 2021 said Malaysia is key to meeting the world’s growing need for durian.
The country’s strategic export destinations, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, the US, and Australia, showcase its growing international presence.
Government initiatives, such as tax exemptions on durian exports, have further strengthened Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global market, resulting in its overall growth.
Malaysia is leading the way in the global durian market by expanding where we sell our durians, offering a wider range of products, and investing in research and development.
It’s an exciting time for the durian industry!
Embrace the Durian Trend: A Lucrative Future Lies Ahead!
The durian trend is hotter than ever before, just as how it tastes even better in the heat! The market is booming, and with the right info and a little help, you can be part of the action too.
Top Fruits is your one-stop shop for durian domination. We offer expert consultancy services, taking you from site selection to a flourishing, money-making durian farm.
Ready to cultivate your durian success story? Fill out the enquiry form on our website or email us directly at enquiries@topfruits.com.my for a personalised quote.
Don’t wait – jump on the durian bandwagon and become a durian king (or queen)!
FAQ
1. How much durian does Malaysia export?
In 2022, Malaysia set a new record for durian exports, reaching a value of RM1.14 billion. Durian was the top fruit export, accounting for a significant 58.6% of the country’s total fruit export value of RM2.01 billion.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) forecasts that Malaysia’s durian exports will reach a substantial RM1.8 billion (US$412 million) by 2030.
2. What are the most popular durian marketing products on trend now?
Durian marketing products have seen a surge in popularity, driven by the growing demand for durian.
Popular options include durian-based snacks, beverages, desserts, and infused products like chocolate and skincare items.
These products offer unique flavours and cater to diverse consumer preferences, contributing to the durian industry’s growth and expansion.
3. Which country imports the most durian?
As reported by the FAO, China has consistently dominated the global durian market, with annual imports averaging around 740,000 tonnes between 2020 and 2022, accounting for approximately 95% of the total.
