In Singapore, some durian vendors have reported that consumers have been buying less of the fruit after reports of an expected hike in prices.
It was reported that weather problems have delayed the fruits' peak season, which is usually from June to July, and as a result consumers would have to pay more. However, some vendors have refuted an increase in prices, and say that in fact prices will be coming down.
The owner of Kong Lee Hup Kee Trading, Mr Chia Boon Huat, 62, who has been in the business for more than 40 years, noticed a drop in sales after the reports.
At one point, 1kg of the premium Mao Shan Wang cost $22 to $24, compared to $18 last year.
But out of five popular durian vendors approached, three dismissed the price hikes.
Mr Chia said he had started selling this season's crop early last month at $24 for 1kg until last week, when the price dropped to $22.
"That was the first round, and naturally, it can be a little higher," he explained.
By Monday 6 June, prices had gone down to $16 for 1kg of Mao Shan Wang and Mr Chia expects it to drop to $13 during the peak season in July and August.
Madam Linda Ang, 50, who works at Combat Durian, is also confident that prices will come down.
She said: "We predict that it will drop to about $14 or $15 for 1kg of Mao Shan Wang."
Combat Durian currently sells Mao Shan Wang at $16 to $18 a kilogram.
But it will still be a longer wait for customers, as this year's peak season will be a month later than usual due to the bad weather in Malaysia, where the fruit is usually grown.
The first and second harvests of Mao Shan Wang, which come primarily from Pahang, Malaysia, were also not as bountiful as in previous years.
Mr Chia admitted that this year's quality of durians is not as good.
But "there is hope" as the durian trees are still bearing fruit, said Mr Chia.
And the good news is that durian lovers will have two months, instead of the usual one month, to feast on varied crops.
"In July, people can expect bittersweet Mao Shan Wang, while we will get the bitter ones in August," said Mr Chia.
"The quality of the next batch of durians will definitely be better than last month, even though it won't be as good as those in the past years."
Source:news.asiaone.com
