Vietnam-Grown Durian Gains Access to Indian Market

India has officially approved the import of fresh durian from Vietnam since mid-July, granting Vietnamese exporters access to a market of over 1.47 billion people and an opportunity to reduce reliance on traditional destinations. According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, Indian authorities have not imposed any special import conditions or additional phytosanitary declaration requirements. The approval follows negotiations between the two countries. A farmer collects durians in Dong Thap Province, November 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam However, the department noted that as India remains a new market, Vietnamese durian is expected to be sold primarily in major cities through premium retail chains, restaurants, hotels, and e-commerce platforms in the initial phase. Exporters have been advised to carefully study consumer preferences in that country, product specifications, transportation logistics, and distribution networks to develop appropriate market entry strategies. Earlier this year, durian exports to China, Vietnam's largest market, fell sharply after Chinese authorities tightened quality control measures, enhanced traceability requirements, and stepped up inspections for chemical residues. Many shipments experienced delays due to lengthy customs processes, and farm gate prices in Vietnam plummeted as a result. This was exacerbated by a sharp increase in fruit supply as it coincided with the peak harvest period. Output in the first half of this year rose by 12.7%, the highest of any major fruit, to 603,300 metric tons. Vietnam's durian exports are expected to top $2 billion by the end of July, even as prices remain under pressure in China, the main market, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. Source: VnExpress International