TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Yunlin County’s Han Kuang Agriculture has signed a deal with South Korea’s CR Trade Co. to export 200 tonnes of Taiwan Irwin mangoes, CNA reported Tuesday.
CR Trade CEO Hong Chang-rae said Taiwan mangoes are popular in South Korea because of their bright red color, smooth flesh, and sweet flavor. He said South Korean department stores have shown interest in carrying the mangoes, while the fruit has also drawn attention online.
Hong said the mango order marks the beginning of the company’s plan to buy more Taiwan farm products. He said CR Trade hopes to bring more high-quality Taiwan fruit and vegetables to South Korean consumers.
UDN reported that data from the Agriculture and Food Agency showed Taiwan’s mango production this year is expected to exceed 160,000 tonnes. Taiwan has exported 440 tonnes of mangoes so far this year, with South Korea accounting for 42% of the total.
Han Kuang General Manager Liao Chien-kai (廖健凱) said Taiwan mangoes have built a strong reputation overseas because of their quality, texture, and stable sweetness. He said Irwin mangoes are especially popular in South Korea because of their bright color, strong aroma, and high sugar content, per CTS News.
Liao said the deal differs from the usual export model, which often relies on trading companies to collect and ship farm products. He said direct cooperation between a Taiwan farm company and a South Korean importer can help Taiwan agricultural products build stronger brands overseas.
Han Kuang said it has long worked in vegetable exports and farm supply chain management. The company said it hopes the new Taiwan-South Korea partnership will help increase exports of both vegetables and fruit.
