Vietnam dragonfruit

Vietnam's fresh fruit exports topped US$1bn in value during 2013, the first year that the landmark has been reached.

According to Vietnamnet, export turnover has increased due to growing global demand for dragon fruit, mangoes and rambutan.

Indeed, Vietnam's rambutan exports have overtaken competitors such as Thailand and Malaysia in the US market, the publication noted, due to its ability to export year-round.

China accounted for some 65 per cent of total export turnover.