Over 40 ASEAN Durian Exporters Join Kunming Business Matchmaking Event

Key summary

More than 40 durian growers and exporters from ASEAN countries, along with consuls-general from Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and representatives from other ASEAN nations, participated in the 'Durian Export to China' business matchmaking event held in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Friday (October 23). The gathering included over 90 buyers, cold-chain logistics providers, and processing service providers from Yunnan, Shanghai, Guangdong, Sichuan, and other regions. Participants covered the entire supply chain from orchard cultivation and post-harvest sorting to cross-border trade, wholesale/retail, border commerce, and e-commerce distribution. Xinhua News Agency reports that China is the world's largest durian consumer market, with fresh durian imports totaling 2.03 million tons worth 55.2 billion yuan (approximately 278 billion baht) from January to September 2026. Yunnan accounts for 25.9% of China's total durian imports, transforming the province into a key land-based distribution hub. Industry representatives shared experiences on standard cultivation, customs procedures, market distribution, cold-chain freshness maintenance, and cross-border trade barriers. Attendees noted a shift from price competition to quality, traceability, and supply chain stability, with expansion from fresh fruit sales to frozen pulp, advanced processing, and by-product utilization. Collaboration is evolving from short-term transactions to long-term partnerships through joint production areas and shared standards.