Community enterprise quality management of durian exports in Ban Khao Hin Thaen, Wang Chan District, Rayong Province, Thailand

Abstract

Results showed that most farmers interviewed in this study (40.40%) were aged 51–60, and 43.90% had 1–10 years of durian cultivation experience. Around 82.50% of farmers possessed Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard certificates, indicating high compliance. The study of knowledge in durian quality management aligned with the standards of GAP. Considering the average of all eight factors, the highest accuracy rates were revealed in production process management (88.89%) and data recording (84.80%). Other factors receiving correct answer scores ranged from 60.23 to 75.44%. The levels of operation in managing durian markets across the 8Ps framework for product, personnel, process, physical characteristics, efficiency, and quality were relatively high, with an average score ranging from 3.57 to 4.39. On the other hand, the factors relating to price, distribution, and marketing promotion were relatively low, with an average score ranging from 2.87 to 3.39. The average scores for each factor relating to durian quality management for export were as follows: planning (94.04%), production operation (94.74%), and resource management (90.35%). In conclusion, the quality management, marketing, and key influencing factors of durian were carefully considered by the members of the community enterprise under study. These findings can be used to guide strategies to improve durian cultivation and marketing, ensuring high-quality products that meet export standards. To enhance durian exports, policymakers and practitioners should consider support and training in the areas where farmers face challenges.