Rains Affecting the Quality and Flavor of Phu Khao Fai Durian in Thailand
Phu Khao Fai durian is produced in Sisaket province, which is currently in the rainy season, affecting the quality of the fruit. Rains during the harvest season affect the color and flavor of durians by souring the fruit. Ethical producers do not cut durian during the rainy season to avoid low-quality sales, but if buyers really need the fruit, producers incubate durians for ten days before the sale. Forecasts indicate that as rains remain, the durian supply will decrease.
Price of Thai Durian Increases As Expected
Southern Thailand faces a shortage of fresh durian as production decreased by 50% YoY due to the heavy rains in the southern region. The durian shortage has caused wholesale price increases that will last until November when other regions start their harvest season. In W32, prices at the packing houses for Monthong durian stand at USD 4.81-5.52/kg, increasing from W31 when prices stood at USD 4.24-4.67/kg.
Shortage of Monthong Durian in Thailand
The production for Thai Monthong durian dropped due to unfavorable weather and heavy rains. Demand from China has also increased, which has affected the prices of durians. In W31, the buy-in price at the packing house for grade A durians stood between USD 5.37-5.93/kg, increasing from USD 4.80-5.51 in W30. The export volume of fresh durians to China has decreased from an average of 200 containers per week to 50 per week from last month.
Low Quality Thai Durians in China
Thailand is approaching the end of its durian season, and the wholesale price of golden pillow durians in China reaches about USD 173 per 19kg carton. This year, the quality of fresh durian decreased since the fruit contains empty pulp and a burned core. One reason that has influenced the quality decrease is the increased rains in Eastern Thailand.
Monthong Durian Supply is Limited for Exports to China
The volume of Thai Monthong durians available for exports to China during W34-35 was about 11 to 30 containers per day, representing a drop from the first half of august when the average available containers for export was 50 containers per day. The decreased export volume caused by heavy rains has caused a price rise to USD 7.42/kg. Forecasts indicate that durian volume will increase in November and December as volumes in Southern Thailand will be available for harvest, which will help prices decrease.
Vietnamese Monthong Durian Stuck in Thai Borders
Over 100 full container loads of fresh Vietnam Monthong durian are stuck on the Thai border. The stuck durian will be turned into frozen durian in Thailand and re-exported to China. Since durian production in Thailand is scarce due to unfavorable weather, the demand for the stuck Vietnamese durian has been high.
