Overview of Vietnam’s Durian Market and the Rising Potential of Frozen Durian Exports

1. Vietnam’s Durian Market: A Rapidly Emerging Powerhouse

In recent years, Vietnam has rapidly risen to become one of the most dynamic players in the global durian industry. With favorable climatic conditions, rich soil, and a long-standing tradition of fruit cultivation, the country’s southern provinces—especially the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and Southeastern regions—have seen durian cultivation flourish.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnam has over 130,000 hectares of durian plantations, with an annual yield exceeding 1 million tons in 2024. This figure is expected to grow steadily in the coming years due to rising global demand, especially from China and other Asian markets.

Vietnam’s durians, particularly the Ri6 and Monthong varieties, are well-regarded for their unique aroma, creamy texture, and rich flavor. The growing emphasis on good agricultural practices (GAP), improved post-harvest handling, and increased investment in modern processing infrastructure has made Vietnamese durians increasingly competitive in both fresh and frozen forms.

2. The Rise of Frozen Durian: A New Frontier for Export

While fresh durian exports have traditionally dominated, the frozen durian segment is gaining significant momentum. As global consumers demand longer shelf life and year-round availability, frozen durian offers a viable, high-quality alternative to fresh shipments.

Modern IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) and block freezing technologies help preserve the original taste, texture, and nutritional value of the fruit. With the advancement of cold-chain logistics, frozen durian now reaches markets that were previously inaccessible due to perishability and strict import standards.

Notably, China officially approved over 150 Vietnamese durian growing areas and packaging facilities for export, opening the doors for both fresh and frozen durian to enter under formal trade channels. Moreover, countries like Korea, Australia, Japan, and the EU are beginning to recognize the potential of Vietnamese frozen durian thanks to its quality and safety certifications.

3. Opportunities in the Global Frozen Durian Market

The global market for frozen durian is expected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2028, driven by:

• Increasing consumer demand in China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

• Growing awareness of the convenience and safety of frozen fruit products.

• Expansion of e-commerce and cold-chain delivery systems.

• Rising middle-class incomes and health-conscious consumption trends.

Vietnam, with its large production base, geographical proximity to key Asian markets, and improving processing capacity, is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growth.

4. Challenges to Address

Despite the immense potential, several challenges remain:

• Quality consistency: Differences in farming methods, post-harvest practices, and freezing technologies can affect product uniformity.

• Cold chain infrastructure: Although improving, Vietnam’s logistics network still requires more investment to meet export standards consistently.

• Market access barriers: Some countries have strict SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) requirements, making it difficult to access certain premium markets.

• Brand recognition: Compared to Thai durian, Vietnamese brands are still less recognized on the global stage.

5. CNA AGRIMEX: A Trusted Supplier of High-Quality Frozen Durian

At the forefront of Vietnam’s frozen durian industry is CNA AGRIMEX – a well-established company specializing in the processing and export of tropical fruits, with a strong focus on frozen durian.

With over 10 years of experience, CNA AGRIMEX operates a modern production facility in the Mekong Delta, equipped with state-of-the-art IQF freezing systems, cold storage, and packaging lines that meet international food safety standards such as HACCP and ISO.

CNA AGRIMEX is known for its:

• ✅ Reliable sourcing: Working directly with certified durian farms to ensure traceability and stable supply.

• ✅ Quality control: Rigorous selection, sorting, and freezing processes to maintain the fruit’s original flavor and appearance.

• ✅ Large production capacity: Able to produce and export thousands of tons annually.

• ✅ Strong international network: Exporting to over 20 countries including China, Korea, Australia, and the Middle East.

Through strategic investments and a commitment to quality, CNA AGRIMEX is positioning itself as a leading Vietnamese brand in the global frozen durian market.

6. Conclusion: A Promising Outlook with Strategic Focus

Vietnam’s durian sector is entering a golden phase, fueled by strong global demand and increasing recognition of its product quality. The frozen durian segment, in particular, holds exceptional potential for sustainable export growth.

To fully realize this potential, the industry must continue to invest in technology, infrastructure, and branding, while companies like CNA AGRIMEX play a vital role in elevating the reputation and competitiveness of Vietnamese durians on the global stage.

With the right strategy, Vietnam is poised to become not only a major producer but also a world-class exporter of premium frozen durian in the coming decade.