The Chinese market has responded positively to the arrival of fresh durian from Malaysia, which landed at the end of August and quickly garnered widespread attention.
"Consumers have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to taste fresh durian from Malaysia that has been preserved at room temperature. On the first day of sales, the initial batch was nearly sold out within two hours," said Mr. Ajay Hu, business manager of Jiangnan Fresh Products.
Jiangnan Fresh Products imported the first batch of fresh durian from Malaysia in late August, consisting of around 200 boxes. "We pre-sold and sold the durian through our online platform, and the response was enthusiastic. The second batch is already on its way," Ajay noted. The company imported the Musang King D197 variety, which arrived by air transport, ensuring stable quality.
"Unlike durians preserved with liquid nitrogen and shipped by sea, fresh durians from Malaysia must be transported by air to maintain their freshness, which drives up costs. Fresh durian has a shorter shelf life and a higher potential loss rate compared to frozen durian, making it more expensive. However, many durian enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for the unique flavor of fresh Musang King. We also offer promotional activities and products in different specifications to cater to consumer preferences."
Jiangnan Fresh Products collaborates closely with the Malaysian Durian Association, adhering to their standards. "After the arrival of the first batch, we will work with the association to refine standards, specifications, and logistics for future shipments. We expect subsequent arrivals to maintain or even improve in quality, with increased quantities," Ajay added.
In addition to fresh Malaysian durian, Jiangnan Fresh Products also handles frozen durian and durian sourced from Thailand, Vietnam, and other regions. "Our market positioning for Malaysian fresh durian is aimed at middle- and high-end consumers. Liquid nitrogen-preserved durian caters to enthusiasts throughout the year, while Thai and Vietnamese durian, which occupy a large market share, offer a broader price range and are more focused on mass consumption."
Jiangnan Fresh Products is an online trading platform supported by physical markets such as Guangzhou Jiangnan Market, Shanghai Huizhan Market, and Pingxiang Jiangnan Market, primarily selling a variety of imported and domestic fruits. "After the first batch arrived, we hosted a launch ceremony for the Malaysian Fresh Musang King in Jiangnan Market and will continue promoting it through our online channels," Ajay concluded.