Singapore, ranked the world's second-richest country by GDP per capita in 2025 according to The Economist, relies heavily on imported durians, primarily from neighboring Malaysia. Harvests from some Malaysian regions are expected to reach Singapore later this month, but supplies are likely to be lower than last year's bumper crop.
Weather conditions in the coming weeks could affect the quality and size of this year's durian harvest as the peak season runs from June to September. Heavy rainfall can affect the taste, texture and ripeness of durians, often having a greater impact on prices than harvest volumes, sellers and suppliers told Channel News Asia.
Jeremy Chew, founder of Royal Durian, a retailer specializing in Musang King, said fruit quality has a greater influence on prices than overall harvest volumes. The popular Malaysian variety is prized for its bittersweet flavor and creamy flesh.
"Ultimately, we need to factor in the weather as well ... If let's say every day (there is) heavy rain, durian quality will be very bland or unripe," said Austin Quak, co-founder of Rolling Durian in Singapore's Toa Payoh district.
Quak, who is sourcing durians from Malaysia's Perak and Penang states, said those regions have delivered more consistent quality than some other growing areas.
