The recent increase in durian arrivals has led to a decline in prices, while the upcoming Mother's Day holiday has boosted strong sales, making durian the hottest item in the fruit market this week.
In past years, the lead-up to the "May Day" holiday marked the peak of durian arrivals and sales. However, this year's shipments were delayed, keeping prices high in the first half of last week. Starting from last weekend, arrivals began to pick up, triggering a price drop. For example, Thailand's Monthong A6 durians, which were selling at around $7.55 –$8.23 per box a week ago, have now fallen to approximately $5.15 per box earlier this week. With Mother's Day approaching this Sunday, prices have rebounded by about $0.686 per box since Thursday, and traders anticipate a further increase before the holiday. Vietnamese Kanyao durian supply has also grown, with prices dropping 20%–25% compared to last week. Overall, durian sales remain smooth.
Left: Thai Monthong durians; Right: Vietnamese Kanyao durians
The new season of South African grapefruit has now entered the market, although later than last year. Prices are currently around $1.92 per box, slightly lower than the launch price last year, which was about $2.06 per box. Traders note that the adjustment reflects current consumer demand and market conditions.
Left: Chilean Ambrosia apples; Right: South African grapefruits
Chilean Ambrosia apples have arrived earlier than usual this year. Traders report that the current quality is stable and generally better than last year. In 2024, many arrivals had surface blemishes, leading to higher losses, but this year's batches show fewer defects and improved taste. That said, the fruit's appearance and flavor still vary by brand and shipment. Prices for Ambrosia apples are lower than during the same period last year. New Zealand apple varieties like Rose and Dazzle are also seeing reduced prices in the current market.
Left: Hainan Golden Diamond pineapples; Right: Yunnan blueberries
Blueberry supply has increased compared to last week, although volumes remain limited. Traders say Yunnan blueberries are nearing the end of their season. Some incoming batches lack firmness or sufficient white bloom, resulting in significant price variation across different brands. High-quality 18 mm+ batches are selling for $0.58–$0.65 per box, with premium brands fetching even higher prices. More commonly, standard batches are sold at $0.38–$0.48 per box, while lower-end options are priced around $0.27. The 22 mm+ specification is currently out of stock, and even at a premium, these larger berries sell out quickly. Lower-priced batches still account for the majority of sales.
Left: Peaches from Sichuan; Right: cherry tomatoes
Among domestic fruits, the volume of Hainan Golden Diamond pineapples has declined due to recent extreme weather in the production area. Hainan has experienced several consecutive days of high temperatures, along with a hailstorm last week, which severely impacted fruit quality. High temperatures have also accelerated ripening during transport. Meanwhile, small volumes of Sichuan peaches and Xinjiang small yellow apricots have started arriving early this season. Traders note that while the launch is earlier than in previous years, the taste is not yet at its best.
