Frozen Durian from Vietnam: Opportunities and Challenges in the Chinese Market

Vietnam’s frozen durian is facing difficulties in the Chinese market. Despite expectations of generating half a billion USD from exports, the reality has not yet been achieved. After more than six months of market opening, frozen durian has yet to make its debut here.

Durian Export Market

According to data from the Chinese Customs Agency, in 2024, Vietnam ranked second in supplying durian to China. Vietnam exported 736,720 tons, accounting for 47.2% of total imports. This market has shown strong growth, with exports increasing by 49.4% compared to 2023. The export value reached nearly 2.94 billion USD, up 37.5%. However, the average price decreased by 8%, down to 3,991 USD per ton.

Although fresh durian exports have increased, frozen durian has not yet been exported. After six months of market opening, Vietnam has not sent any products to China. Frozen durian includes whole fruit, pureed, and durian flesh.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated that some enterprises have been recognized by China for export. However, they remain hesitant. The lack of specific guidance on delivery and customs clearance processes is a major reason.

Risks in Exporting

Each shipment of frozen durian is valued at 7-8 billion VND. If exports do not go smoothly, businesses will face significant losses. Goods may be returned if they do not meet requirements. The risk of export suspension and revocation of planting area codes is also a concern.

Mr. Nguyen noted that frozen durian has been exported to markets such as the US, Canada, and Australia. However, China remains a significant market that businesses have yet to conquer.

The demand for imported frozen durian in China is substantial. The biggest challenge currently is testing for chemical residue levels. Residues in Vietnamese durian may not meet standards. Enterprises are worried about this issue.

Another complication is negotiating contracts and delivery conditions. Each container of frozen durian has a high value, which requires businesses to be more cautious at every step.

Strict Export Standards

Ms. Phan Thi Men, General Director of SUTECH Scientific and Technological Consulting Company, stated that the standards for frozen durian are much stricter than those for fresh durian. Producers must comply with HACCP standards or equivalent ones like ISO 22000:2018, BRC, and FSSC 22000.

The processing facilities for frozen durian must ensure food safety. The transportation process must be safe, preventing spoilage and decay of the product. Residues of pesticides and heavy metals must be monitored.

The processes of segmenting, de-seeding, and pureeing also require high management standards. Biological, chemical, and physical hazards must be prevented. The product must not be contaminated with E. Coli or Salmonella bacteria.

Processing facilities must also adhere to a one-way layout principle. The entrance for raw materials and the exit for finished products must not share the same route. This helps ensure there is no cross-contamination.

The packaging facilities for frozen durian must ensure a closed process. From personnel involved to product handling processes, all must be standardized.

Frozen durian must be processed at temperatures of -35°C or lower. The core temperature must reach at least -18°C. This temperature must be maintained throughout storage and transportation.

The Chinese Market: Opportunities and Challenges

China is a major market that many exporting countries are targeting. However, conquering this market is not easy. Ms. Men noted that fresh durian primarily consists of Dona from Thailand, while frozen durian is mainly Musangking from Malaysia.

Chinese consumers highly favor whole frozen durian from Malaysia. Malaysia’s strategy focuses on quality and appearance. Musangking durians are round and uniform, with a smell that is not as strong as Ri6. The fruit has an attractive and appealing appearance.

Malaysia also emphasizes brand promotion and accessibility. They frequently organize fruit festivals in China. Their durians have become very familiar to Chinese consumers.

The signing of the official export protocol to China represents a new opportunity. This is a chance for processed products from Vietnam. Processed agricultural products have many advantages, including long shelf life and retention of nutritional value and flavor.

Consumers are increasingly saving time. Convenient and easy-to-prepare products will attract more attention. It is essential to keep up with trends and consumer preferences.

Investment in Deep Processing

There is a need to change traditional trade practices. Investing in processing plants is necessary. Delving into deep processing science and advancing technology will help increase export turnover. This will also enhance competitiveness.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen recommends closely monitoring the quality of durian from the source. All durians must undergo testing before being sold in the market. Only those meeting standards should be sold.

Changing operational methods and ensuring transparency in information will lead to sustainable practices. The durian industry needs to improve quality and export processes. This will help Vietnam conquer the Chinese market.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s frozen durian is facing numerous opportunities and challenges. Although the Chinese market has a high demand, meeting standards and regulations remains a complex issue. Businesses need to make further efforts to overcome these barriers.

Investing in processing and improving product quality will be key. This is how Vietnam can not only increase export turnover but also achieve more sustainable development in the international market.

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