The highest-grade Musang King durian in Vietnam is retailing at US$8.33–10.60 per kilogram, almost double compared to a year ago. Farm gate prices have also increased, with orchards in Can Tho city and Dak Lak and Tien Giang provinces selling at around US$5.30/kg.
Mai, a grower, said that while this year's harvest was 20% higher, grade 1 fruit is scarce. Lower quality fruit is trading at about US$3.80/kg, up 25% year-on-year. She reported harvesting and selling two tons for US$8,300. "Musang King trees are difficult to care for, so orchards can take years to break even," she said.
Durian trader Manh Khuong in Can Tho noted, "Supply [of grade 1 Musang King durian] in the Mekong Delta is nearly depleted while demand is especially high now during the Mid-Autumn Festival." A trader in the Central Highlands, Phan Thi Hang, said heavy rains have affected fruit quality, and the harvest season is also ending. "I used to be able to buy five to 10 tons a day at the start of the season [in August], but can only find a few hundred kilograms now," she said.
The Musang King variety is often described as the "king of durians" due to its taste profile, with an oval shape, dark green skin, large spikes, and a five-point star pattern at the base. In Vietnam, it is often cross-pollinated with Thai varieties, producing smaller, rounder fruit compared to Ri6 and Monthong.
The Dak Lak Durian Association stated that most local Musang King trees are four to seven years old and will not reach peak yields until around 10 years. With further development, the cultivar is expected to supply domestic markets and also meet export requirements.
Prices of the highest-grade Thai Monthong durian have also risen. Orchards in the Central Highlands are selling at US$3.40–3.80/kg, up about 15% from last year. In contrast, prices of the local Ri6 variety remain stable at US$1.70–1.90/kg at the farm gate.
Source: VNExpress