TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan seafood processor Fisherman’s Hometown on Thursday shipped a 20-foot load of boneless milkfish to Australia, marking the city’s second milkfish export this year.

Liberty Times reported that the order came after Tainan companies joined a food show in Australia in September, where overseas buyers also picked up mango cubes and sweet potato snacks.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said milkfish is a long-time local favorite known for its rich taste and high nutritional value. He said many people used to avoid it because of the bones, but new boneless cuts have helped win over domestic and foreign shoppers.

Huang said the new order shows Tainan’s fish processors can break into global markets and get their products in front of more buyers. He said he hopes the industry will keep pushing to open new business routes abroad.

Tainan Agriculture Bureau Commissioner Li Fang-lin (李芳林) said the city has worked to upgrade its seafood exports by improving cold-chain systems and helping factories obtain certifications. She said the food show drew strong interest from buyers and Taiwanese communities in Australia, which later turned into solid orders.

Li said the city will keep helping companies build stronger brands and set themselves apart in global markets. The goal is to create more export opportunities and help Tainan’s fishing sector compete worldwide, she added.

Find Food Australia is a major trade event that brings together seafood suppliers, food processors, and key buyers from retail and hospitality. Fisherman’s Hometown joined this year’s event to showcase its boneless milkfish and other frozen products.