Thailand: Stinky fruit brings sweet smell of success to planters

Durian, the fruit famous for its spiky shell and pungent smell, is winning the hearts of Chinese consumers and bringing profits to planters all over Southeast Asia. At the recent 2018 Shanghai Thai Festival, Chinese food connoisseurs were given four types of Thai durians to test their preferences in flavour, smell and appearance.

Thanks to the popularity of durians in China, Thailand plans to introduce more varieties of the fruit to the Chinese market this year, said Aschariya Juntaravong, Consul of the Agriculture Section of Thailand's Consulate-General in Shanghai.

Thailand produces four main durian varieties. The Monthong, widely known as the "golden pillow," is the most popular variety available on the Chinese market, according to Juntaravong, who added that Chinese consumers are eager to try out more flavors.

The festival attracted more than 50 exhibitors. Besides fresh durian fruit, products such as durian cakes and durian coffee also received a warm response.

According to an article on xinhuanet.com, Thai and Chinese businesses have come up with special delivery services to keep durian fans happy. Some have arranged charter trains or flights to ship the fruit, while others have set up warehouses and use cold-chain transportation so durians can arrive in China within 120 hours after harvest.

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