Litchi (Litchi sinensis) and Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) belong to the Sapindaceae Family, both characterized by similar fruit structure composed of aril (flesh), seed and a pericarp or protective skin. The former is known to originate from Southern China thrives in subtropical climates, while rambutan a native of the humid tropic, is predominantly grown in Southeast Asia. While both fruits share a similar structure of juicy aril (flesh), seed and protective skin or pericarp, their distinct origins, characteristics and market trajectories present opportunities for producers and exporters.
The characteristics that define both fruits and have an impact on production and postharvest management are their agroclimatic suitability, climacteric properties, floral morphology and perishability. While generally monoecious, rambutan can sometimes be dioecious, especially in none grafted seedlings.
A critical distinction lies in their perishability. Litchi, with a thinner, delicate skin has an very short life of 2-3 days at ambient temperature, though this can be extended to 5 – 10 days through refrigeration. Rambutan’s thicker, hairy skin gives it a slightly longer shelf life, up to 2 weeks if refrigerated. These inherent characteristics determine the farm practices, handling and postharvest practices required in the production of high-quality marketable fruit, with a prolonged shelf life .
Litchi is the more established and widely cultivated compared to rambutan. According to FAO estimates, there was an increase of 30 percent in production in the last decade. The main litchi production areas are in China (more than 70 percent), India, Thailand, Vietnam and Madagascar. Other countries where litchi are grown commercially are Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, Mexico and Australia. The production trend is expected to increase further, driven by expansion in China and India, which is also dominated by smallholders and commercial growers. It is estimated that only 6 percent is exported and the rest for domestic consumption.
Popular litchi varieties include ‘Heiye’, ‘Guwei’ and ‘Hua Zhi’ from China, ‘Shahi’, ‘Bedana’ from India, ‘Thieu’ from Vietnam and ‘Khom’ from Thailand. A seedless variety from Australia ‘Kwai Mai Pink’ is gaining popularity.
Fresh litchi is known for its vitamin C content and value-added products include canned, dried, frozen and pureed products with their extensive use in beverages and ice creams.
With increasing domestic demand and increasing export demand especially with the Asian diaspora, better postharvest management practices and logistics, new varieties and processing and value addition potential, litchi production and market is on an increasing trajectory.
The production of rambutan, in contrast to litchi has been modest. It was estimated that there was a 24 percent increase in production in the past 10 years. The main growing areas are in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia. There are also commercial farms in Sri Lanka, Guatamala, Mexico and Australia. Production of this mainly smallholder grown fruit type is expected to expand due to expanding domestic markets and new markets in China, Middle East and Canada.
The most common and highly demanded variety is a Thai variety – ‘Rong Rieng’, that is also grown in Vietnam, alongside the local ‘Nhan variety’, Indonesia which also grows the ‘Rapiah’ and ‘Binjai’ variety and a major variety in Malaysia (local name – ‘Anak Sekolah’).
Fresh rambutan has been known to contain high content of Vitamin C, plus Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and minerals including Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese and Copper, all believed to be beneficial for immunity and good health. Processed rambutan products include canned, dried and frozen fruits, while studies on valorization of rambutan waste products, indicate presence of phenolics and egalligannins in the pericarp , while the seeds contain high oleic acid content.
Considering fruit characteristics and challenges, the development of both Litchi and Rambutan focalizes in the following key areas:
- Postharvest management and cold chain – which involves extending shelf life through improved handling, packaging and refrigerated logistics.
- Season manipulation and climate resilience – to extend harvesting season and using resilient varieties to combat climate disruptions.
- Breeding superior varieties – for better shelf life, unique flavors, seedless or smaller seeds and higher yield.
- Processing and value addition – Reduce waste due to the high perishability of the fruits by enhancing current production and market for value-added products, plus research on new products including valorization of waste products.
This article is extracted from an online presentation by Mr. Yacob Ahmad, TFNet Senior Technical Officer/Advisor at the 11th Indian Horticulture Congress and International Meet-2025 from 06-09th November 2025 at Bengaluru, India.