The international market for durians grew 400% last year. This is mainly due to China, where demand has expanded 12-fold since 2017.

Image Credit CC: Hazif Issadene

Known as the King of The Fruits in Southeast Asia, the Durian fruit is experiencing a surge in consumer demand and hence increased prices. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have experienced a boom in durian exports to China – with the total export value reaching US$6.7 billion last year.

The taste is a mix of sweet and savory, with hints of almond, caramel, and even a bit of garlic or onion. The texture is creamy and custard-like, which adds to its rich flavor.

The general size of a football with a thick spiky skin, the Durian is often banned in taxis, aircraft and hotels due to its very very … very.. pungent smell. But if you have grown up in Southeast Asia- or lived their long enough as an expat to be converetd- it tastes of a perfumed delecacy that can be spread on bread, created as an intoxicating desert, or simply peeled and ‘down the hatch”.

But the very strong smell can be off-putting to some, often described Durians as a mix of rotten onions, turpentine, and raw sewage.

The durian market in Southeast Asia has seen significant changes due to rising demand from China. This surge in demand has made durians a highly profitable crop for farmers in the region.

Image Credit: CC Ellen Munro

As a result of increased demand and prices, many farmers are expanding their durian orchards and converting land previously used for other crops to durian cultivation.

Durians are now considered a luxury export item with a “cultivated” taste – rather than a locally available common fruit.  The higher prices have pushed local consumers in Southeast Asia beyond reach of their loved King of The Fruits.