Thailand is the world's largest exporter of durians

Thailand ranks first in exports of durians, a fruit highly valued in Asian countries, with a global market share of 93.3%.

According to the Ministry of Commerce's Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, Thailand exported fresh durian worth US$3,219.42 million in 2022, representing a global market share of 93.3%.

See: Durian and its strong-smelling fruit

The main markets are China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The Department of Agricultural Promotion said Thailand exported fresh durians worth 110,144 million baht and frozen durians worth 14,943 million baht in 2022.

Thailand has not only dominated the durian market, but has also taken the lead in the global market for other products.

These include cassava, canned pineapple, canned tuna and condoms.

See: The 5 products of which Thailand is the world's leading exporter

Durian is one of the most popular fruits in Asia, it is commonly called the "king of fruits", while mangosteen , in 2nd place, is called the "queen of fruits".

The durian season in Thailand runs from April to September.

Durian has a unique taste and aroma that some love, while others, including many Westerners, find its smell hard to bear.

But a new type of odorless durian is now being grown in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand.

See: Odorless durian makes its debut in Thailand

In February of this year, unique durians from a southern Thai province were awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status.

Durian Sadet Nam Yala, a new member of the exclusive club of GI products, has received official recognition from the Thai Department of Intellectual Property.

Travelers who might be tempted to try this fruit should be reminded that it should never be consumed with alcohol.

See: Alcohol + durian: a deadly combination normally well known in Thailand

See also:

Welcome to the land of durians in Thailand