SHANGHAI, April 20 -- Sales of Malaysian durians in China are skyrocketing this year, marking a significant boost for the country's durian growers.

The growth is driven by a rising demand for fresh, naturally ripened durians, especially following Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Malaysia last week, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported today, citing industry insiders.

"Fresh durians, which are transported to China by air within 48 hours of pickup, are well-received by affluent Chinese consumers," Guo Min, deputy marketing director at Joy Wing Mau, a fresh fruit distributor in China, was quoted as saying.

"Our Malaysian suppliers are able to increase exports of the fruit by 30 percent this year, which has largely booste...