Malaysia with great opportunity for premium temperate fruits

The Malaysian fruit and vegetable market presents great opportunities for temperate fruits, with good growth prospects. At the same time, it is a highly competitive market, with China as the main source, which has been gaining market share over the last few years. The sub-category of fruit is the one with more potential, as discussed in the virtual session of the World Fresh Forum organized on Tuesday 23 by the partners of the fair FruitAttraction, IFEMA ICEX and FEPEX.

8.1% annual growth with fruit

In 2024, Malaysia's fruit imports amounted to 962 million euros. Annual growth since 2020 has been 8.1%. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years thanks to increased demand from the population. Going into detail, the most imported products are citrus fruits (22.4%), apples (15.8%) and, in third place, grapes (12.5%). Their imports have grown by 20%, -1% and 8% respectively in 2024. Vegetables have the largest size with imports, some €1.2 billion in value in 2024.

Spain a preferred partner in the premium segment

Malaysia imported 6,800 tons of fruit and vegetables in 2022: 75% fresh fruit and citrus (2,600 tons of oranges, 420 tons of mandarins), 1,500 table grapes, 380 plums. The remaining 20% were vegetables and plant material, representing about 1,200 tons. Since 2023, Spain has reduced its fruit shipments by 40%, mainly due to the difficulty in complying with phytosanitary requirements and logistical problems. The average transit time went from 30 to 35 days between Spain and Malaysia, against 20 to 22 days before 2021. "We see more market opportunity for Spain with premium fruits and flavored varieties, not forgetting shel-life" states Andrey Tay during the virtual forum. Andrey is an importer and member of the Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesalers Association.

For more information on Malaysian market opportunities, please write here.