Mao Shan Wang or Not? Blockchain Tags Help Singapore Shoppers Check Durian Origins

A new durian seller in Singapore is using blockchain technology to prove that its premium fruit is the real deal. The company, called AGONG Durian, lets customers scan a QR code on the box to find out exactly where their durians came from. It launched on July 9 at Thomson Plaza, where about 80 guests tried boxes of Grade A durians. The goal is to give shoppers confidence when paying a high price for a popular — and often faked — type of durian.

AGONG Durian sells 400-gram boxes of dehusked durians for $45 each. When customers scan the QR code on the packaging, a web page shows details about the orchard the durians came from. Shoppers can see the exact farm location, the orchard's contact details, and whether the durians are the Mao Shan Wang or Black Thorn variety. This lets buyers check the information on their own, without just trusting what the seller says.

The durians come from Raub, a town in Pahang, Malaysia. Raub is famous for its ideal climate for growing Mao Shan Wang durians, which are one of the most prized types. Because durians from Raub tend to sell for more money, some dishonest sellers have made false claims about where their fruit comes from. AGONG Durian created its system to fight back against these false claims and protect buyers.

Blockchain is the technology that makes this tracking system work. Think of blockchain as a digital record book that keeps track of every step a product takes, from the farm all the way to the customer's table. Once something is written into a blockchain, it cannot be changed or deleted. This makes it very hard for anyone to fake the records.

The process starts at the farm, where trained inspectors check whether the durian tree grows Mao Shan Wang or Black Thorn fruit. Each durian tree is given a unique digital identity that stores details like the variety and farm origin. The orchard's registration details and other documents are also checked and saved on the blockchain. Chew Kian Kok, the chief executive of Masverse, the firm that built AGONG's system, said this creates a record that cannot be altered without leaving a trace.

AGONG's premium price also comes with a promise about quality. All of its durians are Grade A, meaning each fruit weighs at least 1 kilogram, has a nice round shape, and offers a flesh yield of 20 to 25 percent. The brand entered the market at a time when durian prices have been falling due to an oversupply of the fruit. By offering verified origins and guaranteed quality, AGONG Durian hopes to stand out from the crowd.