Malaysia farms must adapt to extreme weather, changing taste to compete for slice of China’s durian pie, industry experts say

Un Certain Weather Conditions Delay Durian Harvest in Malaysia, Concerns for Exporters:

Malaysia's durian harvest is facing delays due to uncertain weather conditions, causing concern among retailers, particularly exporters, as the country looks set to begin exporting fresh durians to China, the global consumer market leader. The peak durian season in Malaysia has been disrupted by extreme weather, including hot and rainy spells, which affect the fruit's quality and quantity. This situation could impact Malaysia's export supply amid rising demand from China, especially with efforts to expand the global crop by up to 10%.

Durian experts warn that extreme weather conditions could negatively affect the yield and quality of the fruits, potentially leading to higher prices and alternative sources for major importers like China. There is also a shift in China's market preference towards more exotic durian varieties, such as Black Thorn, which requires more cultivation time and is more costly. As Malaysia aims to grow its durian production and revenue, it faces challenges in adapting to these market and climatic conditions while maintaining high-quality exports.