Vietnam’s coffee farmers in the Central Highlands are shifting from coffee to durian, driven by rising demand from China for the fruit known for its strong smell. Several outlets describe the change as a response to durian’s higher returns, with farmers using their land to plant durian instead of traditional crops.
The story is set against Vietnam’s role as a major coffee producer. The Central Highlands region produces a significant share of the world’s coffee, with robusta beans cultivated on fertile basalt soils and favorable tropical conditions. As some farmers move to durian, outlets note Vietnam’s competitive position in the Chinese market and the shift in sourcing patterns.
Differences in coverage focus on market timing and positioning. One outlet emphasizes that Vietnam becomes the leading supplier to China by volume last year. Another adds that Vietnam only officially entered the Chinese durian market after a 2022 trade protocol, after which it later rose to top supplier status.
