Vietnam dragon fruit exports hit US$108.5M as Thailand, Middle East demand rise
Industry participants note that market diversification and product quality remain key to sustaining export performance.
VIETNAM – Dragon fruit exports from Vietnam have reached approximately US$108.5 million in the first two months of the year, driven by increased demand from Thailand and the Middle East, while China stabilized after a period of decline.
Exports to Thailand exceeded US$9.2 million, more than 2.7 times those of the same period last year, while exports to the United Arab Emirates grew by more than 57%.
To meet seasonal demand during the Lunar New Year period, growers used artificial lighting to stimulate off-season flowering and fruiting, ensuring supply in the early months rather than waiting for the main harvest from May to September.
This strategic shift enabled Vietnamese exporters to bypass traditional seasonal constraints and capitalize on the limited global supply during the off-season.
For instance, artificial lighting techniques that force flowering outside natural cycles require capital investment in lighting systems, energy infrastructure, and timing technology.
Therefore, Investors who finance these systems in exchange for offtake agreements could secure premium off-season volumes for Gulf markets, where dragon fruit commands higher prices due to limited supply.
The recovery highlights the value of market diversification. Vietnam’s dragon fruit sector had previously relied heavily on China, but rising demand from Thailand and Middle Eastern markets has created alternative outlets.
For regional food security strategies, dragon fruit offers advantages as a nutrient-dense crop with a relatively long life compared to other tropical fruits. Its growing popularity in Gulf countries, where consumers seek exotic but healthy options, positions it as a viable import category for food distributors.
Additionally, industry participants note that market diversification and product quality remain key to sustaining export performance. The stabilization of the Chinese market, together with growth in Thailand and the Middle East, provides a more balanced export portfolio, reducing vulnerability to demand fluctuations in any single market.
Consequently, the infrastructure required to support the growing dragon fruit trade includes cold-chain facilities at origin and destination, reliable sea and air freight connections, and ripening protocols to ensure the fruit reaches consumers in optimal condition.
As the global dragon fruit market expands, Vietnam’s ability to produce outside traditional harvest windows gives it a competitive edge.
The sector’s use of artificial lighting shows how targeted investment in agricultural technology can turn seasonal crops into year-round export commodities, creating opportunities for investors across the fresh produce value chain.
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