Vietnamese durian becomes popular in Australian markets

Published 2021년 8월 21일

Australia’s fruit and vegetable imports from Vietnam have grown by over 50% compared to the previous year. The country’s durian imports have been growing at a high rate compared to other durian importing countries. Vietnamese durian has managed to establish itself in the market as the consumers prefer quality durian over lower prices. A shipment of 15 tons of frozen Vietnamese durians entered Australia and was completely sold out in 2 days as consumers rushed to buy the exotic fruit.

Fresh fruits and vegetables from Vietnam have gained a lot of popularity in Australia over the last few years. Vietnam recorded an increase of 52% in exports of agricultural products and vegetables to Australia during the first six months of 2021 compared to the volume recorded in the previous season. The export base included dragon fruit, ripe mango, litchi, longan, and durians.

Australia is among the fastest-growing durian importing countries in the world in comparison to other durian importers. The import value of durians has increased from USD 115,040 in 2015 to USD 1,800,093 in 2020. Durian is imported throughout the year with imports peaking between July to December. Australia imports durians from Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam throughout the year depending upon the season and prices in the origin country.

Source: Tridge.

Vietnamese durian was first introduced in October 2019 in Australia, but at that moment only half a tonne of frozen durian was brought to the country. Ever since the demand for the fruit has spurred in big cities like Sydney where the fruit was popularized by offices conducting a durian tasting event on an antique car on the streets. As per the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia, a shipment of 15 tonnes of frozen Vietnamese durians imported by Australia was completely sold out in 2 days. Furthermore, an additional 45 tonnes of durians were currently on the way to Australia. The majority of the fruit in the shipment was completely booked up by local retailers of Australia. All of these durians were of the Ri6 variety which is exclusively grown in Vietnam.

Whole durians are retailed for USD 14 per kilogram, while the peeled durians can sell for as much as USD 18.43 per kilogram in the retail markets. Australian customers prefer quality over cheap prices and it should be ensured that the exporters continue to commit to product quality when exporting fruit to Australia. The country is a large potential export market for Vietnam's exotic agricultural products. Vietnam is currently the 10th largest trading partner of Australia.