China's increasing appetite for durians can be attributed to the growth of the country's middle class and the relaxation of trade restrictions. The pungent fruit, known for its strong smell and luscious taste, has become a popular ingredient in snacks, milk tea, and even hotpots. China is now the world's top consumer of durians, with imports reaching US$6.7 billion in 2023, up from US$4 billion in 2022 and US$1.6 billion in 2019. The average Thai import can sell for around $20, making it a luxury item for some buyers. The high price, however, adds to its appeal for many Chinese consumers.
“Chinese foodies gobbled up US$6.7 billion worth of imported fresh durians in 2023, up from US$4 billion in 2022 and US$1.6 billion in 2019, the year durians overtook cherries as China’s largest fresh fruit import by value.” Had no idea durians are trending! 🇨🇳😳 https://t.co/P69KwtvOww
China is going crazy for durians https://t.co/HpLKmcdK9e
More and more Chinese are able to afford the smelly fruit, which is not cheap. An average Thai import can sell for around $20. The high price puts some buyers off. For others, though, it adds to the appeal https://t.co/XkLwYVhr6A 👇
Durian-flavor snacks, milk tea and even hotpots...China is the world's top consumer of durians, known for its pungent smell and luscious taste https://t.co/SLYgocIpJi https://t.co/hgk8mSdI6C
Two shifts help to explain China’s increasing appetite for the pungent fruit: the growth of the country’s middle class, and the relaxation of trade restrictions https://t.co/zRiyzr04fy 👇
Two shifts help to explain China’s increasing appetite for the pungent durian fruit: the growth of the country’s middle class and the relaxation of trade restrictions https://t.co/43njHF1aWr Photo: Getty Images https://t.co/JQfiTWRjNd