Inside Malaysia's Gambit to Make Its Pungent Durian the Most Wanted
The two-story center near the Petronas Twin Towers offers orchard exhibits and durian products as Malaysia seeks a bigger share of China’s market.
- The Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre opened this summer near the Petronas Twin Towers with a nearly $2 million investment, targeting Chinese tourists to boost interest in Malaysian varieties.
- China imported 1.87 million tonnes of fresh durian worth $7.5 billion in 2025, with Thailand dominating over 50% of the market; Malaysia's exports to China quadrupled in the first half of 2026.
- To differentiate from competitors, DurianBB founder Adrian Choy launched durian flower perfume in July, while Leron Yee sells durian paste and mooncakes to add value beyond the fruit itself.
- Across China, specialty shops like Beijing's Jiang Sir sell platters priced between about $44 and $150, with employee Hou Yuxin noting that growing competition helps boost awareness for Malaysian varieties.
- Malaysian growers face critical challenges due to the fruit's shelf life of at most two to three days, as founder Edison Ang warned that customs delays increase refund rates and threaten quality.
32 Articles
32 Articles
South China Morning Post
PressNewsAgencyMalaysia’s durian revolution powered by perfumes, pastries and big plans
Malaysia is pushing to take durian, whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its haters, beyond its roadside stalls and family orchards to convince fans of the spiky fruit that its varieties are worth seeking out. Devotees savour durians like wine. For Malaysian ones, the taste of their rich and creamy flesh varies widely across types. Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcoho…
Beckley Register-Herald
Malaysians' efforts to elevate durian industry, in photos
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia is pushing to take durian, whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its haters, beyond roadside stalls and family orchards and convince fans of the spiky fruit that its varieties are worth seeking…
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolMalaysia is driving the durián—whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its detractors—beyond its stalls by the roadside and family orchards, to convince fans of this spiny fruit that it is worth searching for its different varieties.
Malaysian durian industry eyes China market
Malaysia is pushing to take durian, whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its haters, beyond its roadside stalls and family orchards, particularly targeting the Chinese market. Devotees savour durian like wine. For the Malaysian ones, the taste of their rich and creamy flesh varies widely across types. Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butt…
Inside Malaysia's gambit to make its pungent durian the most want
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia is pushing to take durian, whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its haters, beyond its roadside stalls and family orchards to convince fans of the spiky fruit that its
The Toronto Star
Inside Malaysia’s gambit to make its pungent durian the most wanted
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia is pushing to take durian, whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its haters, beyond its roadside stalls and family orchards to convince fans of the spiky fruit that its varieties are worth…
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