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Raub's Durian Rush: From Gold to Hermès of Fruits
11 Jan
Summary
- Raub, Malaysia, is transitioning from gold mining to durian cultivation.
- China's demand drives a global durian rush, importing $7bn in 2024.
- Farmers are replacing oil palms with highly-valued Musang King durians.
In the Malaysian town of Raub, the scent of durian now dominates, replacing the town's historical gold-mining legacy. Road signs and public art celebrate the Musang King variety, affectionately known as the "Hermès of durians" by Chinese consumers for its premium quality and value. This transformation is fueled by a significant global durian surge.
China's appetite for durians has skyrocketed, with imports reaching a record $7 billion in 2024, marking a threefold increase since 2020. More than 90% of the world's durian exports are now destined for the Chinese market, highlighting its critical role in the global fruit trade.
This intense demand has prompted a dramatic shift in agricultural practices in Raub and across Southeast Asia. Farmers who once cleared durian trees for oil palms in the 1990s are now doing the reverse, uprooting oil palms to cultivate durians. This economic pivot underscores the immense profitability of the Musang King variety.
