China's market is witnessing a significant shift in the consumption of durians, traditionally seen as a niche fruit due to its high price and limited availability. The rising purchasing power of Chinese consumers and the increased affordability of this tropical fruit are key factors contributing to its mainstream acceptance. South-East Asian countries, recognizing the potential of the Chinese market, are ramping up durian production to meet the growing demand. The China-Laos railway has enhanced the efficiency of transportation, facilitating faster and more economical delivery of durians to China.
In East China's Zhejiang province, the Jiaxing fruit market has reported record-high durian sales, with over 300 containers available daily. This surge in sales has led to transactions surpassing 150 million yuan, according to Ying Jianjun, the market management department manager. Despite the increase in sales, the average price of durians imported from Thailand has dropped, making them more accessible to consumers. The global demand for durians, particularly in China, which accounts for 91% of the demand, has seen a 400% increase in the past two years, as per a report by HSBC Bank.
The majority of durians consumed in China are imported, with fresh durian imports reaching 1.43 million tonnes in 2023, showcasing the continued passion of Chinese consumers for this fruit.
Thailand and Vietnam, among other durian-producing nations, have expanded their cultivation and production capabilities to cater to China's growing demand. With the China-Laos railway's cold-chain train services, the delivery of durians has become quicker and more affordable, further boosting the fruit's popularity in the Chinese market.
Source: thestar.com.my