Musang King durian prices nearly double in southern Vietnam amid shortage of top-grade fruits

In southern Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands, prices of the premium-grade Musang King durian have surged to VND 220,000–280,000 (US $8.33–10.61) per kilogram — nearly double last year’s levels.

Farm-gate prices have climbed as well, with growers in Can Tho City, Dak Lak, and Tien Giang provinces selling at around VND 140,000 (US $5.30) per kilogram.

According to a local grower, this year’s output rose by roughly 20%, yet top-grade fruit remains scarce. She explained that lower-quality durians now fetch VND 100,000 (US $3.79) per kilogram — up 25% from a year ago. Her total harvest of two tons brought in around VND 200 million (US $7,576).

She added that Musang King trees demand intensive care, and most orchards take several years to recover their investment.

In Can Tho, one trader said that supplies of grade 1 Musang King durians across the Mekong Delta are almost depleted, while demand peaks during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Meanwhile, another trader from the Central Highlands, said that persistent rain has affected fruit quality and that the harvest season is drawing to a close. “At the start of the season in August, I could buy between five and ten tons a day — now I’m lucky to find a few hundred kilograms,” she noted.

Renowned as the ‘king of durians,’ the Musang King variety is celebrated for its rich sweetness, buttery flesh, and slight bitterness. It is distinguished by its oval form, dark-green rind with sharp spikes, and a five-pointed star pattern at the base. In Vietnam, it is often cross-pollinated with Thai varieties, producing smaller yet rounder and more aromatic fruits than Ri6 and Monthong.

The Dak Lak Durian Association reported that most local Musang King trees are four to seven years old, and will not reach peak yield until around year 10. With better cultivation and planning, the association believes the variety could soon satisfy domestic demand and meet export standards.

Elsewhere, top-grade Thai Monthong durians are selling at VND 90,000–100,000 (US $3.41–3.79) per kilogram — a 15% increase compared to last year. In contrast, the local Ri6 variety remains steady at VND 44,000–50,000 (US $1.67–1.89) at the farm gate.

source: e.vnexpress.net

photo: channelnewsasia.com