9-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Durian lovers in Singapore are in for a treat this season as abundant supply from Malaysia has caused a significant drop in prices. The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Fruit Farmers’ Association reported that Malaysia now exports over 100,000kg of fresh durians to Singapore daily. This season, the pungent fruit has been easily available, with many hawkers selling them at prices 10% to 20% lower than last season’s prices. In fact, some heartland stalls now sell the B and C grade Musang King varieties at $10 or less per kilogram.
To make the most of the season, some fruit sellers have introduced innovative promotions. Play United has included durians in their bright pink claw machines at a pasar malam in Toa Payoh and two malls. For $1, you can have a chance to grab a durian instead of a plushy toy. Outside The One Salon in Bedok Central, piles of durians line the corridor under a banner that reads “Buy fruit get free haircut”. The salon’s boss, Mr Steven Qin, is giving away haircut vouchers to durian buyers who spend at least $20 at his makeshift stall.
All-you-can-eat durian buffets are also catching on, with supermarket chain Giant holding its first durian buffet at the carpark of its Tampines outlet last week, which attracted a strong showing. A Giant spokesman said the chain plans to offer the one-hour buffet again. Other durian stores such as Zeng Zu Fu and Lexus Durian King are also offering free-flow durian feasts.
The abundant supply this season is attributed to a combination of optimal temperature, sufficient rainfall, and strong sunlight, which has created the ideal environment for durian trees to flourish. The heat spell also caused more durians to ripen simultaneously. Besides the weather condition, the KLSFFA spokesman also pointed out that the increase in supply is due to an influx of investment in Malaysia’s durian cultivation sector around seven years ago. Many investors, including those from Singapore, were drawn to the prospect of handsome returns.
Durian farmers are also getting more knowledgeable about farm management, such as the use of organic fertilisers. They have invested in piping and irrigation, so their trees are getting more optimal levels of water to grow higher-quality fruits. With better farming techniques contributing to a longer season, some sellers predict that the durian season may last until September or October in 2023.
While the oversupply may cause sellers to risk making losses, durian fans from both sides of the Causeway have reasons to cheer as the fruit is likely to remain affordable.
