Blue Dragon Fruit Emerges as Top Export Fruit

In January 2025, blue dragon fruit emerged as Vietnam’s top fruit export, generating USD 58 million in revenue. This was a significant achievement, especially as durian, which held the leading position for the past two years, saw its export revenue drop by 73% to USD 31 million. The sharp decline in durian exports was most notable in the Chinese market, where sales fell by 83% to USD 18 million compared to last year.

Key Markets for Blue Dragon Fruit

China remained the biggest importer of blue dragon fruit from Vietnam, purchasing USD 38,1 million worth of the fruit. India followed with USD 7,17 million, and the US imported USD 3,38 million. The price of blue dragon fruit increased due to higher demand from China and the vibrant domestic market during the spring festival season.

Shifts in Cultivation from Dragon Fruit to Rice

In recent years, Vietnam's blue dragon fruit exports struggled as China developed its domestic supply. This shift prompted Vietnamese farmers to reduce blue dragon fruit cultivation, switching to durian or rice for better economic returns. However, the blue dragon fruit industry started 2025 with a strong performance, driven by low supply and high demand.

Conclusion: Blue Dragon Fruit's Market Opportunities

While the start of 2025 has been promising for blue dragon fruit, the market still faces challenges. Improving product quality, exploring new markets, and adding value through processed products will be crucial for sustained growth. The industry must adapt to maintain its momentum, particularly as competition and regulatory pressures continue to evolve. With the right strategies, blue dragon fruit could continue to thrive as one of Vietnam’s leading fruit exports. The focus should remain on diversifying export destinations and enhancing supply chains to maintain competitiveness in the global market.