Brief

Malaysia launches $2 million Durian Experience Centre to boost exports to China

The centre, near the Petronas Twin Towers, aims to turn Malaysian durian into a global luxury commodity.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:58:43 GMT

Malaysia has opened a two‑story Durian Experience Centre in Kuala Lumpur, a $2 million investment that spans 1,900 square metres and is designed to showcase the fruit’s varieties and products to tourists and Chinese buyers.

The centre, located near the Petronas Twin Towers, features a replica orchard, a theatre show, and a shop that sells durian‑based pastries and egg tarts. Founder Edison Ang said the facility targets “consumers who are already eating durian from other countries” and hopes they will switch to Malaysian varieties.

China is the world’s largest durian importer, bringing in 1.87 million tonnes of fresh fruit in 2025 worth $7.5 billion. Malaysia began exporting fresh durian to China in 2024, but the value of imports from Malaysia quadrupled in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, indicating rapid growth.

Ang noted that Malaysian growers harvest only naturally ripened fruit, which gives the product a short shelf life of two to three days. Delays in customs can increase refund rates, he said. DKing founder Leron Yee added that durian sales are a luxury good and sensitive to the Chinese economy, and that he seeks alternative markets if Chinese buying power falls.

Beyond the fruit itself, businesses are developing durian‑based products such as paste, chocolate, mochi, and mooncakes for the Mid‑Autumn Festival. DurianBB founder Adrian Choy offers ice cream, desserts, and coffee flavored with the Musang King variety.

Key facts

Malaysia opened a $2 million Durian Experience Centre in Kuala Lumpur (independent.co.uk)
The centre covers 1,900 square metres and is open daily (independent.co.uk)
China imported 1.87 million tonnes of fresh durian in 2025 worth $7.5 billion (independent.co.uk)
Malaysia’s fresh durian imports to China quadrupled in the first half of 2026 (independent.co.uk)
Malaysian growers harvest only naturally ripened fruit, giving a shelf life of two to three days (independent.co.uk)

Background

Malaysia has long promoted durian as a national delicacy and a potential export commodity. The new centre reflects a broader strategy to position Malaysian durian as a premium product for international markets, especially China, which has seen its imports rise sixfold over the past decade.