3 days ago
Thai Durian Future Hinges on Safety and Quality
As global demand for Thai durian continues to evolve, industry leaders are calling for a renewed focus on safety and quality to sustain the fruit's international reputation — particularly in China, the sector's largest and most dynamic market. Speaking at the Asia Fruit Logistica Bangkok Meet Up, a regional gathering of fresh produce professionals, Mr Natakrit Eamskul, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Fruits Public Company Limited (PTF), highlighted current export challenges and emphasised the importance of premium standards in securing long-term growth.
He revealed that, 'Thailand's fresh durian exports to China during January to June 2025 fell by approximately 3% compared to the same period last year,' citing data from the Department of Agriculture. 'This decline was primarily due to two factors: 1. Weather conditions that delayed the harvest season by about 20 days; and 2. Stricter quality control measures by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), including residue testing, GAP documentation, and DOA packing house registration, which prolonged export procedures and raised costs for exporters.'
Mr Natakrit added that 'this challenge is not exclusive to Thailand but also affects neighbouring countries exporting durian. However, he believes that the future of Thai durian will not depend solely on increasing production volume, but must focus on safety and quality as core priorities.'
'If the public and private sectors work together systematically on these issues while marketing effectively to reach premium consumers, it will help sustain the global popularity of Thai durian,' he said.
He emphasised that 'Platinum Fruits has not been affected by these export challenges because the company prioritises safety and quality at every step. This includes educating farmers on crop care, and conducting random soil and water testing in ISO 17025-certified laboratories approved by the Department of Agriculture to ensure no excessive chemical residues.
Moreover, upon arrival at the factory, produce undergoes stringent testing for residues, insects, and fungi using the strictest Global GAP standards before the packing process — ensuring 100% safety from BY2 substances and cadmium before reaching consumers.'
'We believe true competition is not just about price or volume, but about quality and safety,' Mr Natakrit added.
Regarding the full-year export forecast, Mr Natakrit expects export volumes to return to levels similar to last year, as demand in China remains high. The recent slowdown was caused by regulatory constraints, but the situation is starting to ease. However, he cautioned that moisture control and pest management will be crucial this year due to higher-than-normal rainfall.
Currently, durian remains highly popular among Chinese consumers, particularly those aged 24–35, who prioritise health and are willing to pay for premium-quality products. This popularity has driven food innovation in China, extending beyond fresh durian consumption to include savoury and dessert dishes, as well as beverages. As a result, restaurants and beverage businesses featuring durian have spread widely across Chinese cities.
Mr Natakrit believes that demand still has ample growth potential, as there are many provinces in China where durian has yet to penetrate — representing a significant opportunity for Thai durian.
At present, Thailand is the largest exporter of fresh durian to China, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
On the global market outlook, he noted that the world is entering a new economic era dominated by three main poles: the United States, China, and other emerging trade blocs such as the EU, EFTA, and BRICS.
Many analysts predict that by 2050, the largest economies will be in Asia — China, India, and Indonesia. Therefore, Thailand must prepare to open doors to these new markets.
