Why Durian from Thailand Is in High Demand in the U.S. : Tropical Green
Durian is becoming more popular in the United States. At first, it was mainly enjoyed by Southeast Asian communities. However, in recent years, more American chefs and adventurous food lovers have started to explore this tropical fruit. You can now find durian in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
Known as the “King of Fruits,” durian is famous for its rich, creamy texture and strong aroma. Some people love it, while others take time to appreciate its bold flavor. Even so, demand continues to grow as more consumers look for unique and exotic fruits.
Thailand is the world’s top exporter of durian. In particular, the Monthong variety is highly sought-after for its large size, soft texture, and mild smell. For American businesses — such as Asian supermarkets, restaurants, and specialty stores — Thai durian is a great product to offer.
Moreover, advances in cold-chain logistics and FDA-compliant packaging have made it easier than ever to import durian from Thailand to the U.S.
Of course, quality matters. That’s why choosing the right durian supplier is critical. A good supplier not only provides fresh, high-grade fruit but also ensures all export documents and standards are met.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know — including wholesale durian options, how to import durian into the U.S., and how to work with a certified Thai distributor you can trust.
What to Look for in a Trusted Durian Supplier
Finding the right durian supplier is one of the most important steps when importing durian into the U.S. A good supplier can help you avoid delays, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. On the other hand, choosing the wrong partner may lead to customs problems, spoiled shipments, or customer complaints.
To help you make the right choice, here are four key things to look for:
1. Certifications That Meet International Standards
First, make sure your supplier has the right certifications. These show that the supplier follows safety and farming practices approved by global authorities. Important certifications include:
GLOBALG.A.P. – For safe, sustainable farming
ThaiGAP – Thailand’s national safety standard
USDA Organic – For organic products sold in the U.S.
HACCP & GMP – For food safety and hygiene during processing
These certifications don’t just look good on paper — they are often required for clearing customs and passing FDA checks.
2. Full Traceability from Farm to Port
In addition, a reliable supplier should provide full traceability. This means they can show where the durians came from, when they were harvested, and how they were packed.
For example, many top exporters use:
QR codes on packaging
Batch tracking systems
Verified supply chains
3. Experience Exporting to the U.S.
Next, check whether the supplier has real experience shipping to the United States. This includes handling:
USDA and FDA paperwork
Phytosanitary certificates
Cold chain logistics
Customs clearance
📌 Did You Know?
TGFresh has over 10 years of experience exporting durian to U.S. buyers — including Asian markets, restaurants, and wholesalers.
4. Responsive Communication in English
Finally, smooth communication matters. Many U.S. importers face delays simply because their supplier cannot respond quickly or clearly. That’s why it’s smart to work with a team that speaks fluent English and offers fast responses by email or phone.
Better communication means fewer mistakes, faster decisions, and better long-term relationships.
Wholesale Durian Varieties Available for U.S. Market
If you’re buying durian wholesale for the U.S. market, it’s important to know your options. Different durian varieties have different flavors, textures, and shelf lives. Some are better for retail, while others work well in foodservice or frozen formats.
Let’s take a look at the most popular types available from Thailand.
Monthong Durian (Golden Pillow)
This is the most well-known export variety from Thailand. In fact, it makes up the majority of durian exports to the U.S.
Taste: Sweet and mild
Texture: Thick and creamy
Smell: Less intense than other varieties
Use: Perfect for first-time durian eaters, supermarkets, and frozen packs
This is Thailand’s most popular export-grade durian, accounting for the majority of U.S. imports. Monthong’s consistent size and mild aroma make it the top choice for American consumers trying durian for the first time.
Chanee Durian
If you’re looking for something bolder, Chanee might be a good choice. It has a stronger smell and a more complex taste.
Taste: Rich and slightly bitter
Texture: Softer than Monthong
Smell: Stronger aroma
Use: Best for niche markets and customers who already love durian
While it’s less popular in mainstream stores, Chanee has a loyal fan base among experienced durian lovers.
Frozen Durian (IQF) and Durian Pulp
Frozen durian is now a top choice for many U.S. importers. Thanks to IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) technology, it stays fresh and safe during long-distance shipping.
Format: Whole pods, seedless pulp, or vacuum packs
Benefits: Longer shelf life, easier handling, and FDA-compliant
Use: Online stores, dessert shops, smoothie brands, and foodservice
How TGFresh Helps You Choose the Right Type
Not sure which variety fits your market? Don’t worry. TGFresh offers expert guidance based on your customers, region, and distribution goals.
Whether you’re serving Asian-American communities or high-end restaurants, we’ll help you choose the best type, form, and packaging to match your needs.
How to Import Durian into the U.S. – Step-by-Step Guide
Importing durian from Thailand to the United States may sound complicated. However, with the right information and a reliable partner, the process can be smooth and efficient. Below is a step-by-step guide designed to help U.S. buyers understand what’s involved.
Step 1: Work with an Export-Certified Supplier
First, choose a supplier that has experience with U.S. regulations. They should hold all the necessary certifications, such as:
USDA Organic
Phytosanitary Certificate from Thailand’s Department of Agriculture
GLOBALG.A.P., ThaiGAP, or HACCP
These documents are essential for getting your durian through customs and FDA inspections.
Step 2: Choose the Right Product Format and Packaging
Next, decide what type of durian you want to import:
Fresh durian (whole or peeled)
Frozen durian (IQF pods or seedless pulp)
Your packaging must follow FDA labeling rules and cold chain requirements to ensure safety and freshness.
Step 3: Arrange Cold Chain Shipping
Then, organize your logistics. Durian needs to be transported in refrigerated containers or freezers. Your supplier should help you:
Book sea or air freight
Prepare packing lists and invoices
Monitor temperature during transit
Step 4: Clear U.S. Customs and FDA Inspection
Once your shipment arrives in the U.S., it must go through:
Customs declaration (with CBP)
FDA inspection (sometimes random, sometimes full)
Having the correct documents in place will speed up the process. That’s why it helps to work with a supplier who understands U.S. rules.
📌 TGFresh Tip:
We’ve helped many U.S. importers pass FDA and customs checks on the first try — with complete documentation and real-time shipment updates.
Step 5: Final Delivery to Your Location
Finally, after clearing customs, your shipment will be delivered to your warehouse, store, or distribution center. Be sure to check for any signs of damage or temperature issues before distribution.
Why Choose TGFresh as Your Durian Distributor
When it comes to choosing a durian distributor, trust and experience matter. You need a partner who not only delivers high-quality durian but also understands the rules, risks, and logistics of shipping to the United States.
Here’s why many U.S. importers choose TGFresh as their trusted supplier:
1. Direct from Our Own Orchards
First, we grow our own durian. TGFresh owns and manages orchards in Chanthaburi — Thailand’s top durian-growing region. This gives us full control over the quality and harvest timing.
2. In-House Packing & Processing Facilities
Next, we process and pack every durian in our certified facilities. Our packhouses follow GMP, HACCP, and ThaiGAP standards. Every fruit is sorted by hand and packed for export.
3. Certified and Export-Ready
Moreover, we hold all major certifications required for U.S. import, including:
USDA Organic
GLOBALG.A.P.
Phytosanitary Certification
Cold chain compliance
These documents help ensure fast customs clearance and peace of mind.
4. Real U.S. Export Experience
Unlike many small suppliers, TGFresh has over 10 years of experience exporting to the U.S. We’ve helped hundreds of American businesses import Thai durian smoothly — from California to New York.
Dedicated Support in English
Our export and customer service teams speak fluent English and provide:
One-on-one consultation
Live shipment tracking
Custom packing and private labeling options
We understand the American market, and we act as your boots on the ground in Thailand.
5. Responsive Communication in English
Finally, we speak your language — literally. Our export team speaks fluent English, responds quickly, and understands your needs as a U.S. importer. From quotes to shipment tracking, we’re here to help.
Ready to Import Durian from Thailand? Let’s Work Together
If you’re looking for a trusted durian supplier, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Whether you’re a first-time importer or an experienced distributor, TGFresh is ready to help.
We’ve helped many U.S. businesses — from grocery chains to restaurants — import durian from Thailand safely, legally, and efficiently.
Let’s Make It Simple
Here’s what we offer:
Fast, clear communication in English
Step-by-step guidance on documents, shipping, and FDA rules
Certified durian products ready for the U.S. market
Flexible options: fresh, frozen, whole pods, or pulp
📩 Contact TGFresh Today
You can reach us directly via:
tgfresh.com/contact
Or schedule a free consultation with our export team. We’ll help you plan your first shipment and answer any questions you may have.
Let’s Grow Together
The demand for Thai durian in the U.S. is growing. With the right partner, your business can be part of this exciting opportunity.
Choose TGFresh — a proven durian distributor with the experience, certifications, and service you can count on.