According to The New York Times, swiftlet nests are not made in the usual way that birds make nests from leaves and branches. Swiftlet nests are made from the bird’s own saliva that dries and forms a fiber cluster. This nest is highly sought after and is one of the most expensive dishes in the world. Swiftlet nests are a luxurious food product that is highly demanded in Asia, especially in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Swiftlet nests are one of the most valuable products on the market. The price of swiftlet nests varies depending on the quality and size of the nest. Prices can reach tens of millions of rupiahs per kilogram. The price of a bowl-shaped swiftlet nest can be sold for 13 million rupiahs per kilogram, while the price of a corner-shaped swiftlet nest can reach 9 million rupiahs per kilogram. A broken swiftlet nest can reach 8 million rupiahs per kilogram. Meanwhile, the price of one ounce of swiftlet nest ranges from 800 thousand rupiahs to 1.3 million rupiahs. These prices vary in each region, but the large profits gained from swiftlet nests attract many people.
Indonesia is one of the largest swiftlet nest producers in the world, and it is one of Indonesia’s main export commodities. Indonesian swiftlet nests are known for their good quality and international recognition for halal certification.
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the value of Indonesia’s bird’s nest export reached US$517.03 million with a volume of 1,505.5 tons in 2021. Looking at the value, bird’s nest export decreased by 4.27% compared to the previous year, which was US$540.37 million.
Meanwhile, the volume of Indonesia’s bird’s nest export has increased by 14.7% annually. In 2020, the volume of bird’s nest export was recorded at 1,312.5 tons. Looking at the trend, Indonesia’s bird’s nest export value has fluctuated over the past ten years. Bird’s nest export reached its highest level of US$540.37 million in 2020.
The price of natural swiftlet nests can reach thousands of dollars per kilogram, depending on the size and quality of the nest. The price of this type of nest is highly influenced by market demand and the supply of swiftlet nests. Rare and difficult to obtain natural swiftlet nests can reach very high prices in the market.
In addition to natural swiftlet nests, there are also swiftlet nests produced from colonies of swiftlets that are raised in a controlled environment. These nests are known as “cultured swiftlet nests” and are more affordable than natural swiftlet nests. Cultured swiftlet nests can be obtained at prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per kilogram, depending on the quality and size of the nest.
Despite the high price of swiftlet nests, demand for this product continues to increase due to its popularity as a luxurious food ingredient and traditional medicine. So, who are the actual consumers of swiftlet nests?
1. Entrepreneurs
Swiftlet nests are a very valuable product, so they are usually bought by entrepreneurs who want to profit from this product. Entrepreneurs will buy swiftlet nests in large quantities and sell them at higher prices to make a profit.
2. Culinary Enthusiasts
Swiftlet nests are also used as a highly valued food ingredient in luxury cuisine. Some dishes that use swiftlet nests include swiftlet nest soup or fried swiftlet nests. Swiftlet nests are usually sold at very high prices in luxury restaurants and are usually bought by people who want to taste this luxurious dish.
3. Traditional Medicine Enthusiasts
Swiftlet nests are also used in traditional medicine. Some people believe that swiftlet nests have healing properties and can improve overall health. Swiftlet nests are usually purchased by individuals who want to try this traditional treatment or believe in the health benefits of swiftlet nests.
4. Government and Educational Institutions
Governments and educational institutions also buy swiftlet nests for research and development purposes. Some studies are conducted to explore the health benefits of swiftlet nests or to develop more efficient swiftlet nest production technology.
However, it should be noted that the very high price of swiftlet nests is sometimes caused by fraudulent practices or the counterfeiting of swiftlet nests. Some dishonest swiftlet nest sellers may mix other ingredients into the swiftlet nests or alter the shape and appearance of the swiftlet nests to make them look more attractive, but the quality and nutritional value of the swiftlet nests may decrease.