Market survey for underutilized fruits and fruits products

The purpose of this research is to identify the potential underutilized fruits i species in local market in Malaysia. Fruits that available in local and supermarket in Kelantan. Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor was observed and recorded in order to find out the type of fruits and fruits products available in the market. Type of rarely seen fruits/underutilized fruits (UUF) were identified through the market survey. A questionnaire was then carried out to identify the consumer preference on type of underutilized fruits and fruits products available in the local market. . The purpose of the questionnaire is to identify the potential Underutilized fruits species such as dragon fruits and potential products to be developed for example beverages. The research found that the market related problems such as low level of knowledge about the UUF, low public acceptance toward UUF is the highest possibility that causing underdevelopment of UUF. In order to make these fruits more popular and commonly available,government play an important role in encourages local developer and university to exploit the nutritional value in the UUF.