Group 1 - The core issue behind the sharp decline in durian prices is related to supply and quality problems, with wholesale prices dropping from 69.26 yuan/kg in April to 51.38 yuan/kg by May 23, a decrease of 25.8% [2][3] - The increase in supply is significant, with Thailand's eastern region expected to see a 30% increase in production, reaching a total of 1.5 million tons, while Vietnam's production is projected at 850,000 tons, far exceeding China's expected import volume of 1.56 million tons in 2024 [2][3][4] - Trade facilitation improvements have also contributed to the price drop, as the efficiency of cross-border supply chains has increased, reducing transportation time by approximately 30% and lowering costs [4][5] Group 2 - There is a notable decline in the quality of imported durians, with a high proportion of "raw packages" that appear ripe but have poor taste, leading to consumer dissatisfaction [8][10] - The quality issues are exacerbated by adverse weather conditions affecting the sugar accumulation and ripening of durians, resulting in a significant number of low-quality fruits entering the market [8][12] - The market is experiencing a severe polarization in quality, with low-quality durians flooding the market at low prices, while high-quality durians remain scarce and maintain stable prices [9][11] Group 3 - The volatility in durian prices reflects deeper changes in the high-end fruit market, prompting retailers to rethink their business models and strategies [14][15] - Retailers are facing reduced profit margins, with some reporting that profits have been nearly halved due to the price drop, leading to increased competition and pressure on profitability [15][16] - Consumer demand for high-end fruits is uncertain, as economic instability leads to reduced spending on non-essential items, further complicated by quality issues that have resulted in negative consumer experiences [17][18] Group 4 - Retailers are now focusing on quality control and are establishing direct relationships with quality suppliers to ensure better product offerings [18][19] - There is a shift towards diversifying product offerings to mitigate risks, with retailers introducing new fruit varieties to attract customers and enhance resilience against market fluctuations [19][20] - The future of high-end fruit retailing will likely emphasize quality and service as core competitive advantages, with a need for retailers to balance quality, service, and cost to meet diverse consumer demands [19][20]