Registration open for webinar on mangosteen

WEBINAR ON ‘PROSPECTS FOR EXPANDING MANGOSTEEN PRODUCTION AND MARKETS – OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES’

Another minor tropical fruit that is increasingly popular and can be further developed for global markets is Mangosteen or Garcinia mangostana, an evergreen tree from the Clusiaceae family, that thrives in the humid tropics. The fruit comprises of segmented, sweet white flesh, in a thick dark purple rind is often referred to as the ‘queen of fruits’ due to its exquisite taste.

Native to Southeast Asia, it is commonly cultivated in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Philippines. While India is reported as the largest producer, significant cultivation has also been reported in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, China, Brazil and Mexico. Reliable data on total area and production remains scant and arguable, partly because trade statistics (harmonized system) often group mangosteen with mango and guava.

Commercial varieties of the fruit mangosteens have been developed are are normally distinguished by their size, thickness and colour of rind, taste and fruit size. The commercially planted areas generally follow a mono-cropped pattern; however, it has also been developed in a mixed cropping agroforestry system, together with other tree types.

Nutritionally, the fruit contains Vitamin C, manganese and fiber. Its rind contains xanthones, powerful antioxidants that have become a key focus of recent research due to their promising health-promoting properties.

Despite being relatively easy to cultivate, mangosteen production faces challenges including varietal selection, slow tree growth, pests and diseases, postharvest handling, internal flesh quality and maintaining consistent yields through improved agronomic practices.

Currently, export markets remain small due to limited production. However, consumer demand is expected to grow with the development of better varieties, improved flesh quality and longer postharvest shelf life with improved packaging.

Foreseeing the growing demand for the fruit, International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) is organizing a webinar on ‘The Prospects for Expanding Mangosteen Production and Markets – Opportunities and Challenges’ on Wednesday 17 December 2025 at 2.30 PM (Malaysian time)

The objectives of the webinar are:

1. To share information among mangosteen researchers, producers, processors and exporters on the current production, processed products, market trends and challenges in developing the fruit.
2. To share information among stakeholders on the various initiatives that can be taken to increase mangosteen production and markets, including varietal development, best farm practices, postharvest management, research and development focus and policies to encourage its cultivation.
3. To discuss initiatives in enhancing the visibility of mangosteen in global markets.
4. To establish networking ties among mangosteen and other tropical fruits stakeholders.
5. Possibility of having mangosteen listed as a separate fruit crop in trade statistics.

The webinar is expected to give insight into common varieties, best practices, pest and disease control, quality standards, processing options, demand and market in countries that are developing the fruit. The speakers for the event are from Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

Time	Content
02.30 – 02.40 PM	Introduction Mr. Mohammad Salim Mohd Ali, CEO, International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet)
02.40 – 04.20 PM	PRESENTATIONS Moderator: Dr. Dorothy Chandrabalan, Technical Officer, (TFNet)
		The Status of Mangosteen Production and Market Expansion in Thailand Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanarut Chinappan, Faculty of Agriculture Production, Maejo University Thailand
		Mangosteen Production and Market Expansion – the Indonesian Experience Dr. Ellina Mansyah Senior Researcher (Tropical Fruit), Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) Indonesia
		The Status of Mangosteen Production and Market Expansion in India Dr. G. Karunakaran Principal Scientist (Fruit Science), ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangaluru, Karnataka India
		Improving Mangosteen Production and Market in Malaysia Mr. Christopher Biai Director, Crop Industry Development Div, Department of Agriculture Malaysia
		Expanding Mangosteen Production and Market in Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Van Son Deputy Head of Horticulture Department, Southern Horticulture Research Institute (SOFRI) Vietnam
04.20 – 04.40 PM	Q & A, Panel discussion Moderator: Yacob Ahmad (TFNet) Panel: All speakers Topic: Challenges and opportunities in developing mangosteen for the global market

WEBINAR DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2025 (WEDNESDAY).

Time: 14.30 pm (Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou), 12.00 PM (Delhi) 13.30 PM (Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta), 18.30 PM (Suva)

To participate in the webinar, please register at:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cSn8MjWcQeqkxYLNIJBrlw