Chinese demand for Malaysian durians is expanding beyond the well-known Musang King variety, opening new avenues for local growers to diversify their orchards and capitalize on the growing market. Industry participants highlighted this emerging trend at a recent forum during the Malaysia International Agriculture Technology Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

Durian exporter Simon Chin noted that Malaysia’s advantage lies in its tree-ripened durians, which offer a distinctive flavor profile compared to those from other producing countries. This uniqueness has helped drive strong demand from China. “Over the past two years, Chinese buyers have increasingly sought a broader range of varieties beyond Musang King and Black Thorn,” he said, adding that even kampung durians—a category previously less recognized internationally—have gained popularity.

Grower Alex Chan echoed these observations, emphasizing the country’s strength in offering a wide spectrum of durian clones. Chan pointed out that niche varieties like Red Prawn have performed well in the Chinese market as consumers become more acquainted with the different tastes Malaysian durians provide. He cited rapid sales cycles in Chinese provinces such as Henan and Hebei, where air-freighted shipments often sell out within three days. However, Chan underscored the need for increased production to sustain demand, noting, “We have the demand and there must be enough supply. If the volume cannot keep up, there is no market.”

Another grower, Nelson Neo, highlighted the importance of preserving Malaysia’s diversity of durian varieties, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, regions known for their rich selection of clones. Neo cautioned against the trend of smallholders replacing existing trees with Musang King, which could reduce the country’s durian biodiversity. He stressed the value of diversification and exploring new markets for lesser-known regional clones.

Plantation grower and exporter Symantha Chai advocated for a long-term planting strategy involving multiple durian clones within larger orchards. She explained that diverse varieties can improve pollination and called for growers to include types such as Black Thorn, D24, and Tekka along with their primary selections.

Yap Chan Ming, president of Koperasi Pengusaha dan Pengeksport Durian Malaysia Bhd, acknowledged that Musang King and Black Thorn are likely to remain dominant in the industry but said other varieties will continue to play a meaningful role in both domestic and export markets. He emphasized the need to build consumer demand and enhance distribution networks for lesser-known clones, while also improving logistics and reducing transportation costs. Such steps, Yap said, are crucial for Malaysia to maintain its competitive edge against regional producers like Thailand and Vietnam.