Malaysia is planning to apply for a patent for its premium Mao Shan Wang durians to ensure its recognition as a Malaysian agricultural product.
Mao Shan Wang durians are known for their bittersweet flavour and creamy texture.
Source: Expat Choice
This is motivated by the fruit’s increasing international popularity, reported New Straits Times (NST).
The demand is especially high in China. According to NST, Malaysia exported RM1.14 billion (S$327 million) worth of durians in 2022, with China being its primary export market.
Mohamad Sabu, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, announced the plans at a press conference on Thursday (27 June).
He highlighted that the Agriculture Department and its international trade unit will be initiating the patent.
NST also raised examples of other products with patents on an international level.
One of the products cited was Kobe beef. Under the Geographical Indication protection system, which took effect in 2015, the meat has been registered as a regional brand product of Japan.
Source: Japan Guide
Products with patents under such systems will have protections associated with their place of origin.
To qualify as Kobe beef, for example, the meat has to fulfil certain criteria, including coming from Tajima cattle born in the Hyōgo Prefecture, and having a marbling ratio of a certain level.
On 19 June, Malaysia and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate the export of fresh durians to the latter country by this October.
Source: Choo Yut Shing on Flickr
Previously, Malaysia exported frozen durian, durian pulp and durian paste to China.
The recent MOU will accommodate China’s demand for fresh durians from Malaysia. In 2022, the export value was RM887 billion (S$255.46 billion).
The ministry also noted that the agreement will create job opportunities for more than 63,000 durian entrepreneurs in the nation.
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Featured image adapted from Expat Choice and Choo Yut Shing on Flickr.
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