Why Mangosteen, The Viral TikTok Fruit, Is So Expensive | So Expensive

Introduction

The mangosteen, often referred to as the "queen of fruits," is gaining immense popularity, especially on platforms like TikTok. This tropical fruit's demand has skyrocketed, as evidenced by the staggering 44.7 million posts using the hashtag #mangosteen. India is the leading producer of this fruit, and its costs reflect the growing demand—while a kilo of mangosteen sold for $ 4 in India in 2022, a single piece can fetch up to $ 6 in the United States.

The surge in interest in mangosteen has led farmers in India to prioritize its cultivation. Some are even converting their farms from other crops to focus solely on mangosteen production. This transition is not only about meeting domestic demand but also about tapping into international markets. Mangosteen could not be legally imported into the U.S. from Asia until 2007, but several vendors in the U.S. devised ways to source the fruit long before the ban was lifted.

The high price of mangosteen can be attributed to various factors. The fruit is described as sweet and tangy, with flavor notes reminiscent of lychee and strawberry. The pleasant taste has elevated its status among fruits, with street vendors in New York selling it for more than $ 9 for a single fruit back in the early 2000s. The previous import ban resulted in inflated prices, but recent changes have made it more accessible—where now vendors like Lee offer up to a kilogram for $ 22, with prices varying based on the vendor and quality.

Farmers in Asia are ramping up production to meet the demand. For instance, nursery owners in South India are cutting down other crops, like coconuts, to plant more mangosteen trees. The farms often produce enough to sell the saplings as well, which can be quite lucrative—though it takes about ten years for these trees to start yielding fruit.

During peak harvesting season, skilled pickers scale tall mangosteen trees, ensuring that ripe fruits are collected promptly. The outer skin of ripe mangosteens is typically a dark purple or black, encasing white, juicy fruit. Subsequently, pickers must act quickly to harvest the fruit before it overripens or falls, as spoiled mangoes become inedible.

Distribution further complicates the pricing dynamics. Approximately one-third of harvested mangosteens are sold directly to consumers at the farm, while another third is sold wholesale. The remaining third goes to middlemen, including exporters, sometimes necessitating costly irradiation processes to secure safe transport to international markets.

While only specific climates are suitable for mangosteen cultivation, farmers face production variability due to cyclical harvest patterns. For example, a farm may yield ten million rupees (around $ 119,000) in one year, only to drop significantly in the next. However, the overall trend seems to favor profitable endeavors, bolstered by the rising global market for exotic fruits. The market for mangosteen is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, reaching around $ 658 million by 2030.

Historically, mangosteen wasn’t a profitable agricultural venture. After starting with just 80 trees, farmers like Merlin Madan have expanded their operations significantly with the growing interest in mangosteen. As farming practices evolve, there is an encouragement for the new generation to embrace the potential for success in exotic fruit farming, especially if they are equipped with effective marketing skills.

Keyword

Mangosteen
Viral TikTok
Demand
Price
Farming
Harvesting
Export
Irradiation
Unique Flavors
Global Market

FAQ

What is mangosteen?
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit, often referred to as the "queen of fruits," characterized by its sweet and tangy flavor.

Why is mangosteen so expensive?
The high price of mangosteen can be attributed to its limited cultivation regions, import costs, and high demand, especially in markets like the U.S.

Where is mangosteen primarily grown?
Mangosteen is mainly produced in Southeast Asia, with India being one of the largest producers.

How long does it take for a mangosteen tree to bear fruit?
It typically takes about ten years for a mangosteen tree to start yielding fruit.

What influences the price of mangosteen in different markets?
Factors such as harvesting costs, transportation, and whether the fruit has been irradiated for export can significantly influence its price.