FROZEN MONTHONG DURIAN EXPORT MARKS A TURNING POINT FOR VIETNAMESE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN 2025

As fresh durian exports temporarily stall due to strict quarantine policies and technical barriers, the market is witnessing a major transformation: frozen durian, particularly the IQF Monthong variety, has emerged as a breakthrough solution for Vietnam’s agricultural industry. This shift from raw fresh fruit to deep processing is considered a significant milestone in 2025 – a year of transformation in the mindset of Vietnamese agricultural production and export.

What Is Monthong Durian? Origin and Key Characteristics

Monthong durian (also known as “Mong Thong” or locally called “Ham Rong”) is one of the most popular durian varieties in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, where it has been cultivated and improved for generations.

Today, Monthong has been successfully introduced and widely grown in Vietnam, particularly in provinces with favorable soil and climate conditions such as Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Nai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong. With superior quality and high adaptability, Monthong has become Vietnam’s leading export durian variety for many years.

Monthong durian marks a milestone in the development of Vietnam’s agricultural sector (illustrative image)

Key Features of Monthong Durian:

Large fruits with sturdy shells, ideal for transport: Each fruit weighs between 3–5kg, with pale yellow-green skin and widely spaced but hard thorns, making it less prone to damage during long-distance shipping.
Thick, golden flesh with flat seeds: High pulp-to-weight ratio, vibrant color, smooth texture with minimal fiber – a trait highly appreciated by international consumers.
Balanced flavor profile: Creamy, mildly sweet, and delicately aromatic without the overwhelming scent of some other varieties, making it easier to access markets such as China, South Korea, Japan, and Europe.
Long shelf life: Thanks to its dense flesh and lower moisture content, Monthong is well-suited for IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) and cold-chain transportation, optimizing it for export and processing purposes.
Late ripening, stable harvest: The extended ripening period allows for seasonal adjustment, enabling suppliers to maintain a steady supply throughout the year.

These advantages make Monthong durian not only popular domestically but also a standout candidate in Vietnam’s agricultural export strategy, particularly in the form of IQF frozen durian.

Routine agricultural inspection at HungHau Foods’ durian farm in Can Tho, Vietnam

Outstanding Economic Potential

Beyond quality and taste, Monthong durian is a high-value crop that delivers clear economic benefits for both farmers and agribusinesses. Consumer demand for Monthong durian continues to grow, especially in key markets like China, South Korea, and Japan.

When grown with proper techniques, Monthong can reach yields of 8–12 tons per hectare annually, particularly stable from the fifth year onward. Compared to durians sold domestically, frozen Monthong durian for export commands a premium of 20–30%, thanks to its strict quality standards, extended shelf life, and convenience in distribution.

With IQF technology, durian can be preserved for year-round distribution while maintaining taste, appearance, and nutritional value similar to fresh fruit. This allows Vietnamese producers to unlock new markets and ensure stable revenue.

As China’s durian consumption soars and export values are forecasted to hit $10 billion USD, Vietnamese farmers cultivating Monthong are presented with a golden opportunity to transition from small-scale production to a sustainable, modern export value chain.

However, in order to export durian to China, producers must meet the GACC certification requirements and comply with safety standards regarding Yellow O residue and Cadmium levels.

Why IQF Monthong Durian Represents a Major Breakthrough for Vietnamese Agricultural Exports in 2025

High-quality IQF frozen Monthong durian produced and exported by HungHau Foods

The year 2025 marks a transformative shift in Vietnam’s agricultural sector, with IQF Monthong durian emerging as a flagship product that symbolizes a new era of deep processing, standardized export practices, and global compliance. This breakthrough is not limited to durian—it paves the way for the sustainable development of the entire Vietnamese agricultural industry.

A Strategic Shift from Fresh to Frozen Export

The transition from exporting fresh durian to IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) durian represents a new market approach for Vietnamese exporters. As fresh durian exports encounter growing challenges—such as border delays, quarantine protocols, and planting area traceability—IQF durian offers a safer and more sustainable solution. It allows businesses to maintain steady exports despite border policy fluctuations, reduces pressure on domestic consumption, and supports year-round supply to major markets including China, South Korea, and Japan.

A Ripple Effect for Other Processed Agricultural Products

The success of IQF Monthong durian has inspired more businesses to invest in IQF technology, cold storage facilities, and GACC-compliant packaging lines. This trend drives the development of value-added agricultural chains, helping Vietnam raise its processing rate from below 15% to over 30%—a remarkable leap. Frozen durian also sets new benchmarks for the next generation of Vietnamese agri-exports: convenient, long-lasting, nutritious, and fresh-like in taste.

Strengthening the Farmer–Enterprise–Market Value Chain

Traditionally, Vietnamese farmers relied on small-scale production and seasonal trade via local collectors. The rise of IQF durian exports has led to a paradigm shift. Farmers now receive technical training, implement GACP, VietGAP, and GlobalGAP standards, and become part of a structured supply chain. Enterprises invest directly in raw material zones, while local authorities assist in zoning, code registration, and quality supervision. This integrated model can be replicated for other fruits like jackfruit, mango, rambutan, and longan.

Elevating the Global Reputation of Vietnamese Agricultural Brands

The successful presence of IQF Monthong durian in international distribution systems—such as major supermarket chains in China, Korea, and Europe—demonstrates Vietnam’s shift from exporting raw produce to delivering branded, high-value processed goods. These products are no longer seasonal or perishable commodities but are now global-standard exports with traceable origins and consistent quality.

HungHau Foods is a prime example of this transformation. Its IQF Monthong durian has been widely recognized in demanding markets for its flavor, consistency, and food safety. The company’s success illustrates how a Vietnamese agricultural product can meet international expectations and compete on a global scale.

HungHau Foods – GACC-Certified Exporter of IQF Durian

Official GACC certification for frozen durian export granted to HungHau Foods

HungHau Foods Joint Stock Company is one of Vietnam’s pioneering agri-food processors with over 10 years of experience in high-value agricultural production, processing, and export. The company has been officially certified by GACC for IQF Monthong durian under export code CVNM32012503100028, making it eligible for official export to China.

In addition to IQF Monthong durian, HungHau Foods also holds GACC certifications for other promising processed agricultural products, including:

Sweetened Pineapple Core
Passion Fruit Puree
IQF Taro

👉 Explore our full product portfolio

Contact Information

HungHau Foods Joint Stock Company
📍 Address: 642 Au Co Street, Ward 7, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
🌐 Website: www.hfoods.vn
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