Overview
Vietnam is the world's largest producer of dragon fruit, with an annual output reaching about 1.4 million tonnes. Dragon fruit (pitaya) is a fruit of the cactus family, and both white-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties are grown. In Vietnam it is called 'thanh long', and there is about 60,000 hectares of cultivation area, mainly in the southern region.
Growing regions and areas
Binh Thuan Province is Vietnam's largest dragon fruit producing area, accounting for about 65% of national output. Long An Province、Tien Giang province is also an important producing area. The dry climate and sandy soil are ideal for growing dragon fruit, and the development of irrigation facilities has made stable production possible.
Cultivation methods and harvest season
The natural harvest season runs from May to October, but the introduction of flower-induction technology using LED lighting (supplemental-light cultivation) has made year-round shipping possible. The first harvest comes one to two years after planting, and the economic lifespan is 15 to 20 years. A distinctive feature of the Vietnamese method is planting four or five seedlings on each post, using concrete posts as supports. Six to eight harvests per year are possible.
Exports and market trends
The largest export destination for dragon fruit is China, which accounts for about 80% of export volume. However, to reduce the risk of dependence on China, exports to Japan, South Korea, India, and the EU are being promoted. Export value in 2024 was about US$1.3 billion. Market diversification is advancing through measures such as obtaining GlobalGAP certification and developing frozen processed products.
Connections with Japan
Vietnamese dragon fruit was approved for import to Japan in 2009. Products that meet plant quarantine conditions through vapor heat treatment are imported. The volume distributed in Japan is around 1,000 tonnes a year, but handling at supermarkets is increasing, and further growth is expected.
