The varieties of fruit in the market is becoming richer as the weather grows warmer. One of the fruits that appears on the market around this time of year is rightly called the "colossus". The jackfruit is a typical tropical fruit, weighing on average between 5 and 20 kilograms, though one record-breaking jackfruit reached the massive weight of 59 kilograms. Many people are completely unaware that the jackfruit variety grown in Hainan is actually a Malaysian variety that grows on large trees. This type of jackfruit is well known for its excellent flavor. The weather conditions in Hainan and Malaysia are quite similar, which means that the flavor and sugar content of jackfruit grown in Hainan or Malaysia is quite similar as well. There is virtually no difference between the two.
Vincent Chan in a jackfruit orchard
The Malaysian jackfruit is not available on the Chinese market, just like fresh Malaysian durian, because China and Malaysia do not have an import agreement. Datuk Vincent Chan already made a name in the Chinese fruit market through his promotion of Musang King durian, and one way or another, he had to find the opportunity to make Chinese consumers familiar with the excellent flavor of top-quality Malaysian jackfruit. He found a suitable production area that grows the traditional jackfruit as described above. He took this large-tree jackfruit variety and planted it in Hainan. The product quality is similar to the jackfruit grown in Malaysia. Datuk Vincent Chan already made a start with his plan to produce and promote jackfruit in China. He sells the Malaysian jackfruit, grown in Hainan, through wholesale markets throughout China, as well as in regional fruit stores.
Jackfruit
The jackfruit is predicted to take the Chinese market by surprise. Datuk Vincent Chan explains that overall response has been enthusiastic, and as Chinese consumers begin to discover the delicious flavor of Malaysian jackfruit from Hainan, then this momentum will only grow stronger. The sweetness and the color of the fruit is just right. Previously the jackfruit was harvested in Hainan orchards when the fruit was 70% ripe. The fruit was then sold through wholesale markets and transported on trucks. This kept the distribution and transport costs low, but it meant that the product quality was not optimal when the jackfruit was sold.
Datuk Vincent Chan in the jackfruit orchard
Datuk Vincent Chan explains that the jackfruit now purchased from Hainan is transported in trucks that are kept at 12 degrees. The fruit is then 80%-85% ripe. The fruit reaches its optimal flavor and sweetness when it arrives in the hands of the customer. This is the main reason why the jackfruit from Hainan is selling well in the Chinese market. The sugar content of large-tree jackfruit is around 28+ and the color of the fruit flesh is golden yellow. This is the kind of color that can find its way into the hearts of consumers. The smell of this jackfruit variety is also strong enough to compete with durian. Furthermore, what really wins over the consumer, is the ratio of fruit flesh, which can be as much as 50% of the total weight. In some exceptional examples the fruit flesh accounted for 65% of the total weight.
Jackfruit
Datuk Vincent Chan can not help it but give his opinion on the future of the jackfruit market. The jackfruit industry in Hainan is still quite young. The industry needs time to explore and develop. The main consumers right now are those who are adventurous and eager to try new flavors. But, over time, the more conservative consumers will be won over by the fragrant, golden fruit. There is huge market potential for jackfruit in China, especially since the Chinese fruit market has turned towards top-quality fruit in recent years.
Datuk Vincent Chan in the jackfruit orchard
Datuk Vincent Chan thinks that the Malaysian jackfruit from Hainan will rapidly attract the attention of Chinese consumers. He also points out that those consumers who enjoyed the Musang King durian will also love the flavor of jackfruit. After all, durian and jackfruit are both known for strong fragrance and flavor. Consumers who like a challenge can buy their new challenge from the jackfruit orchards of Hainan.
Contact person: Cai Fang - CEO
E-mail address: sophia.cai@sovininternational.com