Following the approval of Vietnamese durian exports to China, the sector has witnessed significant growth, achieving over US$2.2 billion in export value last year. This expansion, however, has highlighted challenges related to compliance with import regulations, resulting in inspections for plant diseases and food safety. Issues have also emerged from packaging facilities acquiring durians from non-coded growing areas, leading to products of uncertain origin or those not processed as per approved methods. According to Ngô Tường Vy, general director of Chánh Thu Fruit Import-Export Joint Stock Company, the development of the durian industry has been profitable for farmers, yet contract cancellations have led to substantial losses for businesses.
There is a call for a systematic legal framework to ensure the durian industry's sustainable growth. Looking at Thailand, a successful global competitor in durian export, it is evident that strict enforcement of regulations across the supply chain has benefited not just individual growers but the entire industry and the nation. Durian crops, with a lifespan of 30 to 40 years, require long-term strategies to maintain the Vietnamese fruit's reputation and market position.
Võ Quan Huy, director of Huy Long An Co, Ltd., emphasized the importance of tracing seedling origins and coding new durian growing areas to boost official exports. Currently, around 30% of durian production areas are coded or in the process of obtaining codes.
Nguyễn Phong Phú, technical director of Vina T&T Import-Export Company, highlighted the need to strengthen the supply chain to address issues such as price volatility, contract breaches, and supply chain disruptions.
Source: vietnamnews.vn