Taiwan Strengthens Fruit Export Potential with Insights from Japanese Market Expert

*Taipei, August 9, 2024* –

In a strategic move to bolster Taiwan's fruit export industry and gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese consumer market, the Ministry of Agriculture, with the assistance of Asian Productivity Organization, APO and China Productivity Center (CPC), hosted Mr. Junichi Moriya, Chairman of Tokyo Seika Trading Co., Ltd., for a series of keynote speeches in Taiwan on August 6th and 8th.

Mr. Moriya, an esteemed expert and leader of Japan's largest fruit and vegetable wholesaler, Tokyo Seika Trading Co., Ltd., provided valuable insights into the Japanese domestic fruit industry and the dynamics of Japan's imported fruit market. His presentations focused on several key topics, including the varieties of fruit grown domestically in Japan, emerging industry trends, the effects of global climate change, and the implications of trade liberalization. Mr. Moriya also discussed major imported fruit items, their market scale, source countries, and Japanese consumers' perceptions of Taiwanese fruits.

Founded in 1945, Tokyo Seika Trading Co., Ltd. has established itself as a cornerstone of Japan's agricultural sector, renowned for its pioneering cold chain management system, which ensures the quality and freshness of produce from production areas to retail stores. The company is dedicated to importing, wholesaling, and distributing a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables while upholding rigorous standards of quality and hygiene through the implementation of HACCP principles.

The event saw the participation of over 100 representatives from industry, government, and academia. Deputy Minister Hu of the Ministry of Agriculture was in attendance, underscoring the significance of understanding consumer trends in Japan to enhance Taiwan's export strategies.

In addition to his keynote addresses, Mr. Moriya visited several agricultural production sites across Taiwan, including Yo Sweet Farm in Taichung and the Long-Tan Fruits & Vegetables Cooperative in Pingtung County. During these visits, Mr. Moriya sampled five varieties of dragon fruit and commended the exceptional sweetness of Taiwanese produce. He was also impressed by the advanced cold chain facilities at the Long-Tan Cooperative, which are integral to maintaining product quality during transportation.

The exchange between Taiwanese agricultural leaders and Mr. Moriya is seen as a vital step towards expanding Taiwan's agricultural export market, particularly in Japan. It is anticipated that the insights gained from this collaboration will enhance mutual trust and foster beneficial trade relations between Taiwan and Japan, contributing to the stable development of Taiwan's agricultural exports in Japan and other international markets.

Through these efforts, Taiwan aims to create a win-win situation for its agricultural industry, ensuring long-term success and sustainability in the global market.