Malaysia has celebrated sending its first shipment of fresh durian to China after gaining access in June.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia (KPKM), the first fruit arrived at Zhengzhou International Airport on 25 August.

This consignment is part of the first wave of deliveries that will see 40 tonnes of fresh durian sent across multiple shipments. These contain various types of durian varieties including Musang King, D24, IOI and Black Thorn supplied by eight Malaysian durian companies.

This fresh product will continue to be distributed by ten importing companies through retail outlets in six cities namely Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanning.

According to a report from Malaysian news agency Bernama, KPKM said the value of Malaysian durian exports is now expected to rise to RM1.8bn (US$229m) by 2030.

“This expanded access to fresh durians will allow local entrepreneurs to fully explore the Chinese market, increasing their income. Previously only frozen durians were allowed for export,” KPKM said.

Malaysia’s ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad welcomed the first shipments on 26 August at the launch of the Taste Malaysia 2024 promotional programme, according to Bernama. The programme will run for ten days from 23 August to 1 September to promote Malaysian products in China.

“Throughout the programme various Malaysian products will be highlighted including durian,” Muhamad said.

FROM ASIAFRUIT