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Taiwan now represents a major market for US fresh organics. The Asian country is currently the fifth largest export market for US organic products, worth over US$90 million in sales in 2019. Now, with the equivalence arrangement agreed between the two countries in May 2020 coming into force, US organic sales in Taiwan are projected to rise by nearly 50% between 2020 to 2025, according to the USDA/FAS. The agreement allows organic products certified in the United States or Taiwan to be sold as organic in either market.

Taiwan is expected to import up to 15,000 tons of peaches and nectarines in 2020, mainly from the US and Chile, according to USDA data. Taiwan’s own domestic peach and nectarine crop is forecast to be up 18% to 19,000 tons in 2020 thanks to generally favourable growing condition and orchards reaching maturity. Taichung and Taoyuan remain the largest producing regions, accounting for almost 80% of domestic production. Taoyuan mainly produces early sweet varieties, including honey peaches at the higher altitudes.

Carrefour is expanding its presence in Taiwan, just as it pulls out of China. The French retailer announced an agreement to acquire Wellcome Taiwan, consolidating its position as the leading multi-format food retailer in Taiwan. As part of the agreement, Carrefour will acquire 224 proximity stores in quality locations (199 Wellcome - average sales area of 420 sq. m - and 25 Jasons - average sales area of 820 sq. m) as well as a warehouse (including ownership of the real estate and land).

The 2019 Taiwan Smart Agriweek hosted by Wesexpo at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center from September 26th to 28th featured four exhibition areas, which displayed smart agricultural facilities, smart agricultural solutions, eco-friendly agricultural materials, innovative exported agricultural machinery, exported flower boutiques, exquisite Taiwanese fruit and vegetable brands, smart logistics, preservation and cold chain services.

Taiwan possesses a variety of fruit and vegetable breeding and cultivating hinge techniques, and is also the leading country in agricultural research and development in the sub-tropical climate. We welcome you to the upcoming Taiwan agricultural week from 9th to 11th in November, to witness the extraordinary and advance Taiwan agricultural industry.

Last August, Pagoda took a significant step towards globalisation by opening its first experimental shop, in Tachung, Taiwan. It was designed along the same successful lines as Pagoda’s Chinese stores, with an area of 200 m2, an attractive design and display, and a wide assortment of premium products. With this move, Pagoda became the first Chinese fruit retailer to establish a presence on the island. By moving into the Taiwanese fruit retail sector, the company is enacting a long-held plan for its operations in Taiwan.