

The business of durian: the smelliest fruit on earth
9 snips Aug 28, 2025
Discover how Malaysia is turning the notoriously smelly durian into a thriving tourism draw, attracting 400,000 eager visitors annually. Dive into the strange allure of unpleasant aromas that captivate food adventurers. Learn about the innovative business practices that are transforming durian farming and its rising popularity. The discussion includes cultural perceptions of food, especially polarizing items like durian and the humorous comparison of American processed snacks to international culinary oddities.
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Zuckerberg's Expanding Palo Alto Compound
- Juliet recounts Mark Zuckerberg buying and expanding 11 Palo Alto homes and the disruptive construction noise.
- He has given neighbors headphones and donuts, but the ongoing disturbance still frustrates residents.
Corpse Flower As A Viral Annual Event
- Juliet Bennett describes the Huntington's corpse flower event as a major annual draw with huge social media buzz.
- The plant blooms rarely and briefly, and crowds flock to see — despite its rotten smell.
Monetizing A Polarizing Scent
- Durian BB turned a polarizing smell into diversified revenue through parks, classes, and merchandise.
- The farm attracted 400k–500k visitors and made about $10M in 2024 from experiences and souvenirs.