Vietnam's Black Thorn Durian Commands Premium Prices Amidst Limited Supply

Black Thorn Durian Maintains High Prices

Black Thorn durian sells rapidly in Vietnam, priced at VND370,000–400,000 (US$14.2–15.3) per kilogram. This price point stands five to eight times higher than other common varieties like Ri6 and Monthong. While Ri6 and Monthong prices have dropped 20–30% from last year, Black Thorn prices hold firm.

Customers actively seek this variety, with one seller reporting six or seven out of ten walk-in customers asking for it.

Supply Constraints Drive Scarcity

Limited supply underpins the high prices, even in major producing regions. A trader in Dak Lak province, Hien, receives orders for tons of Black Thorn durian. However, she can only procure 400–500 kilograms every two to three days from farmers. Many growers cultivate only a few Black Thorn trees.

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reports Black Thorn accounts for a minuscule share of the country's 200,000 hectares under durian cultivation.

Lower Yields Impact Profitability

Black Thorn durian trees produce high-quality fruit but yield significantly less than other varieties. Vo Tan Loi, chairman of the Dong Thap Durian Association, states a six-year-old Monthong tree yields 30–50 fruits annually. Black Thorn trees produce less than half that amount. These lower yields make farmers hesitant to expand cultivation. Higher per-kilogram prices do not necessarily translate to greater overall profitability for growers.