As the area under durian cultivation expands in Vietnam, innovative methods are being developed to convert the large quantities of discarded durian shells into biochar and wood vinegar, reducing environmental impact and boosting farmers’ incomes.

The second Krong Pak durian festival will be held from August 31 to September 2 in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, aiming to honour durian growers, attract investment and promote the development of a sustainable durian ecosystem.

Vietnam’s agricultural trade with China has reached a new milestone as frozen durian, fresh coconut, and crocodiles have been granted export approval, opening up vast opportunities for these industries.

Given favourable conditions, agricultural experts predict that durian exports will grow in the remaining months of the year, potentially pushing the total value to US$3.5 billion by the year’s end.

Durian exports may surpass 3 billion USD this year, according to Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association (Vinafruit).

Statistics from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association show that durian export turnover reached $1.5 billion in the first six months of this year.

Vietnam's billion-dollar durian is entering its main harvest season with an estimated output of 1.5 million tons, a significant increase from last year. However, this commodity will face new competition in the Chinese market from Malaysia.

Thailand, the world’s biggest durian exporter with a total export turnover of 7 billion USD, became Vietnam's second largest importer of this fruit in the first four months of 2024.

Amid a boom in durian exports, businesses are calling for strict management mechanisms in the industry to help growers develop sustainably.

Vietnam raked in US$253 million from exporting nearly 57,000 tonnes of durian during the first quarter of the year, representing an increase of 42% in volume and an rise of 63.7% in value on-year.

Durian flesh price has soared to VND850,000 per kilogram, even though Vietnam produces one million tons of the fruit a year.

The Plant Protection Department received GACC’s warnings and asked enterprises which owned these violating shipments to comply with the regulations on origin tracing, recalling and handling.

Vietnam is striving to further assert its durian export position and join the billion-dollar export industry with the current advantages in hand, coupled with efforts to better the fruit quality.

Ri6 durian, a specialty from the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, is now available in the UK market for the first time, announced the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK.