Durians remained a major contributor to fruit and vegetable export turnover, with growth doubling compared to the Q1 average and rising 66% year-on-year.
Despite lower prices at the moment after a period of continual increases, durian prices at orchards remain higher than last year, ensuring profits for growers.
Notably, Vietnam surpassed Thailand to become the largest supplier of durians to China in the first quarter and in fresh bananas supplanted the Philippines as the largest supplier to its northern neighbour.
According to exporters, there remains significant export potential for bananas besides those heading to China.
Though experts confirm the popularity of Vietnamese fresh fruit worldwide, they still believe that, to dominate the market, production and export firms must make greater efforts.
Optimistic signs are also being seen as frozen durians and fresh coconuts are about to enter the Chinese market.
Once this occurs, fruit exports will make yet another significant breakthrough, as the total export value of the sector could reach a record 6 billion USD this year, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association./.
