'Durian freedom' spreads as prices dip across nation

Durian prices are tumbling as booming imports, faster logistics and a wave of seasonal fruit make the tropical fruit increasingly affordable for consumers.

Prices for some durian varieties have fallen 10 percent to 20 percent from a year earlier, according to wholesale market data and retailers. Durian that once sold for as much as 300 yuan ($44) to 400 yuan each can now be found for less than 100 yuan in some markets, fueling social media buzz around achieving "durian freedom" — a phrase used by Chinese consumers to describe "unlimited" access to previously expensive foods.

Thailand's Monthong durian, the dominant variety in the market, traded at an average wholesale price of 24.15 yuan per 500 grams at Beijing Xinfadi wholesale market on Tuesday, roughly flat from a year ago, but down 14 percent from early April.

Vietnamese Monthong durians have seen steeper declines, with wholesale prices dropping to about 18 yuan per 500 grams, down more than 40 percent from the previous month and over 30 percent from a year earlier, according to market data.

Retailers are passing on the savings to consumers. Membership chains including Sam's Club are selling Thai Monthong durians for around 199 yuan per 3 to 3.75 kilograms.

"Overall sales volume has definitely increased by more than 20 percent year-on-year," said He Huaxin, head of community group buying at Beijing Xinfadi wholesale market. "Durian from multiple countries are now entering the market, with Vietnamese varieties showing particularly strong growth momentum."

China is the world's largest durian importer and consumer, accounting for an estimated 82 percent of global consumption.

The country's appetite for what is often called the "king of fruits" has prompted producing nations across Southeast Asia to rapidly expand cultivation and exports.

Analysts said falling prices also reflect improvements in the country's logistics and distribution infrastructure, particularly the expansion of cold chain transportation tied to the government's efforts and push for a more integrated domestic market.

The durian price slide is part of a broader correction in the premium fruit market in the country as summer harvests accelerate. Cherry prices have nearly halved from earlier this year, while lychee prices have also dropped sharply amid surging supply. According to price tracking data from Chinese resale platform Dewu.com, 1,000-gram packs of Grade 3 domestic cherries sold for about 189 yuan in early March. By May, during peak harvest season, prices for the same product had fallen to around 108 yuan, a decline of nearly 45 percent.

Meanwhile, in Hainan province, one of the major lychee-producing regions, daily outbound shipments have repeatedly exceeded 10,000 metric tons. Cumulative shipments since late March reached nearly 88,000 tons as of May 8, up almost 289 percent from a year earlier. Sam's Club has set the retail price of a 2.5-kilogram box of lychees at 66.6 yuan.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn