China opens door to frozen durian: Export value can hit 3.5 billion USD

By signing a protocol to allow the import of frozen durian, China is providing a new avenue for Vietnamese durian producers. This move enables the industry to enhance its value and mitigate the risks of relying solely on fresh product exports.

Dr. Luong Ngoc Trung Lap, an agricultural market analyst, highlights that China remains a primary market for durians with consistently high consumer demand. With its strong durian and tropical fruit production capabilities and convenient trade border, Vietnam is well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity.

Vietnam boasts durian varieties well-suited for freezing technology, such as Ri6 and Monthong, which are high-yielding, grown in various regions, and available almost year-round.

Frozen durian offers several advantages over fresh fruit. The standards for frozen durian are less stringent regarding the fruit's external appearance; what matters most is the quality of the flesh. Therefore, producers must ensure that the durian is ripe before freezing. Additionally, frozen durian is more accessible to transport and can be preserved longer.

With China’s official endorsement of this protocol, the "king of fruits" will further strengthen its market position and diversify its product offerings. This development also allows businesses to maximize the use of raw materials. Frozen durian prioritizes the quality of the flesh over appearance, meaning that fruits not meeting visual standards can still be processed into frozen segments, ensuring that all produced durian is utilized effectively.

Mr. Lap noted that technology and facilities for freezing agricultural products are widespread in the Mekong Delta and throughout the country, with several modern factories now under development. In Can Tho City, for instance, numerous units specialize in cold storage services, supported by a team of professional workers. Mr. Lap suggests that businesses can initially take advantage of these existing services by paying competitive fees, which may be more cost-effective than investing in their own freezing facilities.

According to the Department of Crop Production (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), Vietnam produces about 1 million tons of durian annually. However, by the end of 2023, export volumes are expected to range between 450,000 and 500,000 tons. Introducing a frozen durian segment could significantly increase export value.

Agricultural market analysts point out that frozen durian offers a practical solution during market crises characterized by surplus and oversupply. It is crucial to plan growing areas carefully, prioritizing regions with favorable climates and working conditions, and to apply scientific and technological advancements. Establishing growing regions that adhere to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards will be essential.

Over 33,000 hectares are dedicated to durian cultivation in the Mekong Delta, mainly in Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Can Tho City. Durian is typically harvested from April to August. In Can Tho City alone, there are approximately 5,000 hectares of durian, predominantly in Phong Dien, Thoi Lai, and O Mon districts, with a smaller area in Binh Thuy district. The Ri6 variety is the preferred choice among growers, accounting for over 86% of the cultivation area.

The local durian harvest season runs from late March to July each year, with the peak period occurring from May to June. For 2024, the market supply is expected to exceed 30,000 tons.

Mr. Tran Thai Nghiem, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Can Tho City, emphasized that the signing of the protocol for the official export of frozen durian to China opens up new opportunities. This development reduces risks and enhances market advantages, allowing the durian industry to engage more effectively in post-harvest processing and preservation.

Mr. Nghiem noted that introducing the frozen durian market will help businesses navigate challenges. Currently, most durian products are exported fresh, which requires strict standards and precision. With frozen durian, companies can manage overripe products more effectively and mitigate market surges during peak periods.

Regarding the impact of frozen durian exports on the domestic market, Mr. Nghiem acknowledged the difficulty in predicting fluctuations. While current demand is established, introducing frozen durian could increase exports, potentially reducing total domestic supply. However, as more durian-growing areas reach harvest maturity, domestic supply is expected to grow rapidly.

Can Tho City is also advancing the implementation of the Project on the Center for Linking, Producing, Processing, and Consuming Agricultural Products in the Mekong Delta. This center will focus on research, processing, deep processing, logistics, export development, and other support services, providing significant support to the durian industry and other agricultural sectors.