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Jackfruit, often called the world’s largest tree-borne fruit, is no longer just a backyard staple in tropical regions. Over the last decade, it has emerged as a valuable export commodity with rising global demand. Once considered an underutilized fruit, jackfruit has gained recognition for its nutritional value, culinary versatility, and role in the booming plant-based food market. This shift has transformed the jackfruit trade into a growing international industry, with countries across Asia and beyond seeking their share in the market.
This article explores the global rise of jackfruit as an export product, highlighting the leading exporters, trade trends, and the opportunities shaping its future.
The Global Significance of Jackfruit
Jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It is widely consumed in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Traditionally, it was eaten fresh or cooked in local cuisines. However, in recent years, global recognition has expanded due to its nutritional profile and versatility.
Rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, potassium, and plant compounds, jackfruit is regarded as a superfood. Beyond nutrition, the fruit’s texture when cooked has made it a natural alternative to meat. This quality has driven international interest, particularly in vegan and vegetarian food industries.
As a result, the fruit that was once overlooked is now a sought-after item in international trade.
Market Size and Growth Potential
The global jackfruit market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Industry reports estimate its value at more than 300 million US dollars in 2023, with projections suggesting consistent growth over the next decade. Analysts expect the market to expand at an annual rate of around four percent, driven by rising health consciousness, dietary diversification, and plant-based eating trends.
Export volumes are also increasing steadily. In earlier years, jackfruit was primarily sold domestically in producing countries. Today, international demand is so strong that exporters in Asia, Latin America, and Africa are finding new opportunities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Why Jackfruit Has Become a Global Export Commodity
Several factors have contributed to the transformation of jackfruit into a global export product:
- The rise of veganism and vegetarian diets has created demand for plant-based meat alternatives, where jackfruit’s fibrous texture makes it ideal.
- Growing consumer awareness of superfoods has positioned jackfruit alongside products like quinoa, chia seeds, and avocados.
- Improvements in packaging, cold storage, and shipping have made it easier to transport jackfruit long distances without spoilage.
- Culinary innovation in restaurants and food industries has showcased jackfruit in tacos, burgers, curries, smoothies, and desserts, increasing its popularity.
These elements combined have turned a once-overlooked tropical fruit into a global trade commodity.
Leading Exporting Countries
Vietnam
Vietnam has quickly become one of the leading jackfruit exporters in the world. Over the past decade, Vietnamese farmers and exporters have built a strong supply chain that caters to both fresh and processed jackfruit markets. Exports from Vietnam rose dramatically from only a few million dollars in 2015 to well over 200 million dollars by 2023.
Much of Vietnam’s success comes from its ability to meet demand in China, which is one of the largest consumers of fresh jackfruit. Beyond China, Vietnam also supplies the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
India
India is the world’s largest producer of jackfruit, cultivating more than a million tons annually. States like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura lead in production. However, despite this massive volume, India’s share in the export market remains moderate. Challenges with logistics, perishability, and lack of processing infrastructure have limited its potential.
In recent years, however, Indian entrepreneurs have started exploring value-added products like jackfruit flour, chips, pickles, and frozen pulp, which are more suitable for export. India’s export revenue is slowly increasing, with a growing presence in the Gulf countries and Europe.
Thailand
Thailand is another important jackfruit exporter, known for its ability to supply both fresh fruit and processed products. Thai exporters have capitalized on the demand for canned jackfruit and frozen jackfruit chunks, which are popular in international markets. The country’s efficient agricultural system and well-developed export channels give it a competitive advantage.
Other Exporters
Apart from Asia, countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia contribute to jackfruit exports, though at smaller scales. Outside Asia, Latin American countries such as Mexico and Brazil are beginning to explore jackfruit farming for export purposes. Their geographical advantage allows them to cater to North American markets with shorter shipping times.
Major Importing Countries
On the importing side, China remains the largest market for fresh jackfruit. Singapore, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian nations also import significant volumes. In Western markets, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands are leading importers, driven by demand from health-conscious and vegan consumers.
Specialty grocery stores and plant-based food companies in these regions have embraced jackfruit as an alternative protein source. The growing popularity of Asian cuisines in Western countries also contributes to this demand.
Processed Jackfruit and Value-Added Products
While fresh fruit exports dominate trade volumes, processed jackfruit products are becoming increasingly important. These include:
- Canned jackfruit in brine or syrup
- Frozen jackfruit chunks and pulp
- Dried jackfruit chips
- Jackfruit flour and powder
- Ready-to-cook jackfruit curry or snack packs
Value-added products extend shelf life, reduce wastage, and make it easier to transport jackfruit across continents. This segment of the export industry is expected to grow rapidly, offering higher profit margins than raw fruit.
Challenges in the Jackfruit Export Market
Despite its growing popularity, jackfruit exports face several challenges:
- The fruit’s large size and perishable nature make storage and transportation difficult.
- Lack of uniform grading and quality standards can reduce export competitiveness.
- Farmers in many countries still focus on domestic markets, limiting export supply.
- Price fluctuations due to seasonal production affect exporters’ profitability.
Addressing these issues through better post-harvest technology, processing units, and government support could help exporters strengthen their position.
Opportunities for Future Growth
The future of jackfruit exports looks promising. Growing demand for plant-based diets across North America and Europe presents a major opportunity. If exporters can ensure consistent quality, branding, and supply, jackfruit could establish itself as a mainstream product.
Innovations such as vacuum-sealed packaging, freeze-drying, and organic certification are opening new markets. Marketing jackfruit as a sustainable superfood and climate-resilient crop may further enhance its global image.
Conclusion
The rise of jackfruit as a global export is a remarkable story of how a traditional fruit has entered international markets. From small-scale cultivation to large-scale trade, jackfruit has evolved into an export commodity driven by health trends, culinary innovation, and consumer demand for plant-based options.
Vietnam and Thailand are leading exporters, while India remains the largest producer with untapped potential. Importing nations in Asia, Europe, and North America are expanding their consumption every year, and processed jackfruit products are paving the way for long-term sustainability in the market.
As awareness grows and supply chains improve, jackfruit is set to strengthen its role in global food trade. What was once a local delicacy has now become a symbol of opportunity in international agriculture.