Durian's Price.

Considering the edible portion of durian is only 30% of a whole fruit, durian is one of the most expensive fruits. During the season, the retail price of the whole fruit is around 40-45 baht/kg for Chanee and 50-60 baht/kg for Monthong . The popular fruit weight consumed widely is about 2.5-4.0 kg each. In spite of its price, durian is still one of the most popular fruits in Thailand. The popularity is attested to by the fact that when it is in season, the consumption of other fruits is affected.

Basically, durian tree bear fruit once a year, April - June from the eastern region and August- October from the southern region. Less fruit is produced during the off- season, so the price can vary from time to time and from place to place. The fruits' price (in Bangkok) may be as low as 25 - 30 baht/kg for Chanee and 35 - 40 baht/kg for Monthong during the peak (May) and tend to be higher at the beginning and the end of the season. These price can be double or more in the off- season.

In areas where durian is not grown, the price is higher than in Bangkok. The price difference is around 5-10 baht/kg depending on transportation cost and storage losses.

The price mainly depends on the variety and appearance, Monthong is more expensive than Chanee because of the strong demand and good quality.

In the past when Monthong cultivation was not enough to satisfy the local demand, the price of Monthong was over 100% higher than Chanee. But today Monthong production has significantly increased, the price difference is much less .

For peeled durian, usually packaged in foam trays over- wrapped with plastic film, the price is very high, over 3 times that of the whole fruits' price.