Tasty treat: Customers can now buy durians right at the port in Chengdu. — Xinhua
In the heart of Sichuan, a new phrase – “durian freedom” – is catching on. Not long ago, the “king of fruits” was considered a luxury, often costing over 200 yuan (RM118) per kilogram. Today, thanks to a cold-chain corridor along the China-Laos Railway, it sells for around 44 yuan (RM26) per kilogram.
“Before, durian felt like a luxury, and the quality was unpredictable,” said a local customer surnamed Yang. “Now, buying it right at the port means it’s both fresh and affordable.”
Behind the cheaper price tag lies a sophisticated experiment in supply chain efficiency. By adopting a model combining direct procurement, dedicated shipment and port retail, Chengdu has cut the durian’s travel time from tree to table to just three or four days.
Meanwhile, salmon is embarking on its own remarkable journey. Caught in the icy waters near the Arctic Circle, it can now reach a dinner plate in Chengdu – a city far from the sea – in as little as 36 hours. Airlifted from European hubs such as Brussels to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, the fish clears customs in under three hours through a dedicated green channel for perishable goods.
“More than 560 tonnes of salmon enter through Chengdu each month, over 90% of which is distributed across China,” said Zhang Dongdong, project manager at the Western cold chain fresh food port under China Eastern Cold Chain.
The Norwegian Seafood Council has taken notice. “Chengdu is becoming one of the most important salmon markets in China,” said Sigmund Bjorgo, the council’s country director for China.
In the first half of 2025, China’s salmon imports rose 39% year on year, making it Norway’s third-largest seafood export market by August. With per capita consumption still at just 0.9kg, the Chinese market remains far from saturated and is full of potential. — Xinhua
