More work on packaging of fresh durian is needed to eliminate the odour during long distance transport of the fruit. One grower in the NT harvested about 12 fruits from a five year old grafted tree. Main consumer demand lies with the ethnic Asian population, especially from Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. There is also an appreciable ethnic European demand. The domestic market can absorb production from 100 ha.
Most connoisseurs prefer fresh fruit, but frozen products are possibly also acceptable.
Currently, import of frozen fruit in slices or whole fruit comes from Thailand. Recently, Japan started importing durian from Malaysia and Thailand in the form of excised flesh, minus the thorny skin, packed in sealed polythene punnets. This form of packaging alleviates the offensive smell, keeps produce fresh, and poses no problem with airline transportation. Taiwan imports huge quantities from Thailand. The vast market potential in China, and South Korea has not been tapped.