Vietnam durian industry shifts focus from production volume to high-value exports

Vietnam's durian industry is transitioning from a focus on increasing production volume to developing high-value, sustainable export chains. As global markets demand stricter quality, food safety, and traceability, the sector is moving toward an “industry ecosystem” model that integrates farmers, cooperatives, logistics providers, and government agencies.

In Dak Lak province, a major production hub, durian cultivation covers approximately 44,000 hectares. The province expects a record harvest of 500,000 tonnes by 2026. To support export growth, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) recently approved 140 new durian planting zone codes in Dak Lak, covering over 4,321 hectares, alongside 31 new packaging enterprises.

To maintain competitiveness, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is prioritizing a comprehensive traceability system. This initiative aims to link planting codes, packaging sites, and inspection data to meet international standards. Experts suggest that future growth should rely on deep processing, such as frozen durian pulp and food ingredients, rather than solely on fresh fruit exports.