Pingtung: The first large-scale export of Taiwanese summer fruits to Europe departed from Pingtung County on Tuesday, having successfully met the stringent import and quarantine requirements set by the European Union (EU). This significant shipment marks a new chapter for Taiwan's agricultural exports, signaling a concerted effort to penetrate the European market.
According to Focus Taiwan, the shipment, comprising 6 metric tons of mangoes, lychees, and dragon fruit, was dispatched by Nature House, a prominent exporter. The fruits are headed to Rungis, France's largest wholesale fresh produce market. This market is a vital hub, catering to more than 1,200 businesses, including Michelin-starred restaurants, hotels, and major retailers.
Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih emphasized the importance of this export milestone during a send-off ceremony. He noted that while Taiwan's fresh fruit exports to Europe were previously limited, this shipment represents the beginning of a more systematic approach to expanding into the European market. The minister highlighted the crucial role of growers in adhering to production and quarantine standards, which facilitated this breakthrough.
To further enhance its export capabilities, Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture has established an international cold-chain logistics center in Pingtung. This initiative aims to support the expansion of Taiwanese fruit exports to additional overseas markets. After years of negotiations and technical preparations, the EU approved imports of Taiwanese guavas and mangoes into all member states in June 2025. Following this, the EU sanctioned the import of Taiwanese lychees and dragon fruit in February of this year.
The ministry underscored that the EU market upholds rigorous standards for plant quarantine and product quality, encompassing aspects such as orchard management, pest control, and post-harvest cold-chain transportation. This successful shipment demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to meeting these high standards, paving the way for future export opportunities.