Dong Nai: Summer fruit harvest season begins

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export turnover reached more than USD 2 billion in the first four months of 2026, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. Of this figure, more than 70% came from fresh fruit and vegetable exports.

Mangosteen orchard of Nguyen Thanh Phuoc’s family in Dau Giay Ward enters the late harvest season. Photo: Binh Nguyen

This data is seen as a positive signal, as many key fruit products, especially export-oriented fruits that are among Dong Nai City's strengths, are entering the summer harvest season.

Fruit exports post strong growth

At the recent Conference on Promoting Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Exports to Ensure 2026 Export Growth Targets held in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Dinh Tung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that China continues to be Vietnam’s largest fruit and vegetable export market, with turnover exceeding USD 1 billion and accounting for more than 50% of total market share. At the same time, other key export markets, such as South Korea, the United States, Japan, and the Middle East, have maintained solid growth rates of 15% to 20%.

According to Nguyen Dinh Tung, building on this growth momentum, the entire fruit and vegetable industry is determined to reach USD 10 billion in fruit and vegetable export turnover in 2026. To achieve this target, the sector must address quality-related issues and put an end to exports containing residues of prohibited substances exceeding regulatory limits. He also stressed that authorities need to strictly monitor granted growing-area codes, strengthen post-inspection oversight, and impose severe penalties for fraudulent practices to protect the national brand's reputation. In addition, negotiations should continue to be stepped up to open export markets for potential fruits such as pineapple, avocado, and custard apple.

By the end of 2025, the total fruit cultivation area in Dong Nai City exceeded 94,200 hectares, with output surpassing 2 million tons. Major fruit crops include durian, mango, jackfruit, pomelo, and rambutan.

Le Tuan Hai, Director of Hai Huong Co., Ltd. in Bao Vinh Ward, shared that his company mainly processes dried jackfruit for both domestic consumption and export markets. During the summer fruit season, the company also exports fresh rambutan, mainly to South Korea. Participating in export markets helps rambutan (which already has geographical indication protection) secure more stable outlets while generating higher value. The export potential for fresh rambutan remains very large.

High hopes for the new harvest season

This year's summer fruit season is starting later than usual, with most summer fruits such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, and avocado entering harvest later than usual. In addition, unfavorable weather conditions have reduced yields for many growers. Nguyen Thanh Phuoc, a farmer in Dau Giay Ward, commented: “This year’s summer fruits are all harvested later compared to previous years. Mangosteen alone is about two months behind last year’s schedule. Adverse weather has also reduced my orchard’s productivity by half compared to last season. I hope fruit prices remain high so farmers can still earn profits despite lower yields.”

Durian orchards in Tan Phu Ward are harvesting later than usual, but farmers still hope for a successful and profitable season. Photo: Binh Nguyen

For export-oriented fruits, especially durian, farmgate prices are currently fluctuating significantly. However, because Dong Nai’s durian harvest season does not overlap with those in the Mekong Delta or Central Highlands, growers remain optimistic about achieving both strong yields and good export prices.

Hoang Quoc Hung, a durian farmer in Nghia Trung Commune, said: “My family has around 500 durian trees already in production, with some orchards being 10 years old and others five years old. My family has shifted toward organic farming practices, limiting herbicide use and prioritizing organic fertilizers and biological products. As a result, the soil has become increasingly fertile and loose, and this year’s durian productivity is expected to remain strong.”

In recent years, durian has consistently ranked among the most profitable crops, and many growers are hopeful that this year’s harvest will continue to deliver both high yields and favorable prices.

Tran Nguyen, representative of the Economic Division of Tan Phu Ward, said the locality currently has around 1,600 hectares of durian plantations, mainly cultivating Thai durian varieties favored by export markets. Of this area, approximately 700 hectares have already received export growing-area codes. The local authorities continue supporting farmers in expanding certified growing areas to secure stable, high-value export outlets. In addition, the ward cultivates other key export-oriented fruits, such as pomelo and jackfruit, which feature strong export potential.

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho