It is nearly twice as expensive as the Monthong and Ri 6 varieties. Traders are then selling the fruit at VND160,000-170,000, up 60% from a year ago.
Viet, who owns a durian orchard in the Mekong Delta’s Can Tho City, recently sold around five tons of the Malaysian variety for VND600 million.
He had considered switching to other crops after prices remained stubbornly low in recent years, but decided to persevere.
“Seeing today’s prices I feel all my years of effort were worth it,” he says.
Dang Manh Khuong, a merchant who procures durian in Can Tho, says the cultivation of Musang King has declined over the last two years as prices fell.
But both domestic and export demand have surged this year, with Japan, South Korea and the U.S. being particularly fond of the fruit, he says.
Production in Malaysia has also faced difficulties, prompting many businesses from that country to seek alternative sources such as Vietnam, he adds.
The Dak Lak Durian Association says Musang King durian trees take 10 years to fruit with consistent quality while most orchards in Vietnam are only four to seven years old.
Farmers say the quality of the fruit is gradually improving and closing in on that of Malaysia.
Mai, who has an orchard in Tien Giang Province, says the 20 trees she planted nine years ago now produce fruit with a soft golden pulp unlike the tough and bland texture seen in the past.
Yields have also increased by 30% from a year ago, she says.
Exporters have shown more interest in the variety thanks to the improvement, she adds.
Originally from Malaysia, Musang King has been grown in the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta for many years.
This variety is distinguished by its oval shape, dark green skin with large spikes, visible vertical seams, and a five-point star pattern at the bottom.
The Dak Lak association says Musang King is a premium variety that requires advanced techniques and is challenging to grow.
But it remains highly competitive and offers strong growth potential if farmers invest wisely.
As the fruit gains popularity and prices rise, the association suggests that the Department of Crop Production should zone suitable cultivation areas and educate farmers in farming techniques to optimize yield and quality.
