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For once, durian isn't the most expensive fruit in the market
A surprising shift is happening in Malaysia's fruit scene, where mangosteens, often known as the 'Queen of Fruits', are now selling at higher prices than durians due to a tight supply.
According to The Star, certain mangosteen varieties, such as Mesta, are going for around RM20 per kg, while durian prices, including popular types like Musang King, have dropped significantly to as low as about RM16.80 per kg.
In some cases, durians are even cheaper depending on the stall and the on-going mini season promotions.
Not too long ago, Musang King regularly held the crown as the most expensive fruit in the market, sometimes hitting around RM100 per kg during peak seasons
But things have flipped quickly as the durian market enters a seasonal surplus period, pushing prices down across the board.
Fruit sellers say the spike in mangosteen prices comes down to one main factor: supply.
The fruit, which is widely loved for its sweet and tangy flesh, is becoming harder to source locally this season.
Part of the problem lies in how durian farms have evolved over the years
Traditionally, many orchards used mixed planting, where mangosteen trees were grown alongside durians and other crops.
This helped farmers maintain income throughout the year while also supporting a more balanced farm ecosystem.
However, newer durian plantations are increasingly removing mangosteen trees. According to The Star, farmers say the trees can block sunlight and affect growing conditions for durian trees, leading to many being cut down over time.
As a result, mangosteen production has dropped, leading to tighter supply and higher prices.
Most of the mangosteens currently found in the market are now imported, mainly from Thailand and Indonesia
Even then, local sellers say availability is inconsistent, keeping prices elevated.
Some fruit sellers note that Malaysian-grown mangosteens are becoming rare in retail stalls. When available, they are often considered superior in taste, but are harder to source in steady quantities compared to imported stock.
Interestingly, mangosteen prices only started climbing noticeably around late last year. Before that, they were generally much more affordable, hovering closer to RM15 per kg or even lower.
On the other side of the fruit market, durians are experiencing the opposite trend
The current "mini season" has led to an oversupply of fruit from states like Johor, including areas such as Muar, Tangkak, Jementah, and Yong Peng. With more durians hitting the market at once, prices have dropped sharply.
Popular varieties like D13 and Red Prawn are widely available, and some sellers are even offering promotions such as discounted bundles or buy-one-free-one deals to attract customers.
In some stalls, durians can be found starting from as low as RM5 per fruit, depending on size and quality.
