The Chinese believe that durians can generate heat in the body, so they like to consume this fruit in the winter. As a result, the export of Malaysian durians to China is expected to enter peak time by the end of December. Mr. He, Manager of Newleaf Plantation Berhad, Malaysia, talked about production and market expectations this season.
"The rainy season in Pahang, Malaysia came earlier this season, which delayed the harvest and reduced production. Currently, fresh durians have begun to trickle into the local market, but exports to China are still small. It is expected that from the end of December, sales to China will surge. Durians are currently quite expensive in the local market as the marketing season just began, and export prices are currently unstable," Mr. He said.
When talking about the durian export and market shares of Malaysia and Thailand, Mr. He said, “Compared with about 800,000 tons of yearly production in Thailand, Malaysia's is only about 300,000 tons, of which 20,000 to 30,000 are exported. Thailand takes up a market share of about 95% in China, while that of Malaysia is less than 5%. However, our durians boast unique features in terms of varieties, quality, and flavor. Therefore, although our durian industry has just started, I believe that the opening of the Chinese market is bound to greatly promote and advance the entire industry. "
"Malaysia has more than 200 varieties. Due to strong publicity and a longer presence in the Chinese market, Musang King is currently the most popular Malaysian durian in this market." Mr. He said, “Currently, only 1% of Chinese consumers have tried durians, but the Malaysian industry is very optimistic about the Chinese market. Soon after the frozen durian from Malaysia was approved for export to China, many local growers began to actively seek new sites for plantations and plan to increase production. In addition, many venture capital companies have also been investing in durian cultivation and processing, in order to control raw materials at the source and growing techniques, with the aim of making durians from Malaysia higher in quality and lower in price.”
Newleaf Plantation is a specialized durian producer and exporter from Malaysia, with durian plantations located in Pahang, Malaysia. "With the strong investments of the government and major durian exporters, I expect that the market share of Malaysian durians will increase significantly in the next five years. Consumers’ awareness and love for durians can be cultivated. Many Chinese consumers who had never tasted durian have become loyal durian fans after their first try. Our next plan is to focus on promotions in the Chinese market. Through online visibility and online store discounts, we hope to make more consumers recognize the unique flavor of Malaysian durians. " 
More information:
Company: Newleaf Plantation Berhad
Phone: + 603-62016336
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.newleaf.com.my