HANOI – Fruit lovers in Vietnam's capital are facing a bittersweet reality this durian season as prices for the revered "king of fruits" have skyrocketed, with many vendors reporting they are "sold out" (cháy hàng) almost as soon as new shipments arrive.
The shortage in Hanoi is being attributed to a potent combination of robust domestic appetite and immense, record-breaking export demand, which is diverting a significant portion of the country's highest-quality durian away from the local market.
In markets across Hanoi, from traditional street stalls to upscale fruit shops, the story is the same. Premium durian varieties like Ri6 and Monthong are commanding prices ranging from 180,000 to 250,000 VND per kilogram (approximately $7.00 - $9.80 USD), a price point significantly higher than in previous years. Despite the steep cost, supply cannot keep up with demand.
"It's a daily struggle to source enough high-quality durian for my customers," said Minh Anh, who runs a fruit shop in the Tay Ho district. "I have a waiting list of clients. As soon as a fresh batch arrives from the south, it’s gone within hours. We are constantly 'cháy hàng'."
Agricultural experts point to the insatiable international market, particularly China, as the primary driver of this trend. Since Vietnam gained official protocols to export fresh durian directly to China, farmers and distributors in key growing regions like the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands can often secure better prices and larger contracts by selling for export.
"The domestic market is now in direct competition with the export market, and the export market has a massive appetite," explained an analyst from a local agricultural institute. "The best-grade fruit, which is perfectly shaped, sized, and has the most desirable taste, is prioritized for export shipments to maintain the reputation of Vietnamese durian abroad."
This export boom has created a ripple effect, tightening the supply available for domestic consumption, especially in northern cities like Hanoi, which are geographically distant from the main cultivation areas. Logistical costs and the challenge of transporting the highly perishable fruit over long distances further add to the final price for consumers in the capital.
Despite the high cost, the demand among Hanoians remains unwavering, fueled by the fruit's cultural status as a decadent, seasonal treat. Many residents express a willingness to pay a premium for the creamy, pungent delicacy, though some voice frustration over the difficulty of finding it.
The "durian fever" in Hanoi highlights the fruit's dramatic economic transformation. Once a regional favorite, it is now a high-value agricultural commodity at the center of a fierce tug-of-war between a lucrative global market and a loyal fanbase at home.
