TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Irwin mangoes are debuting in the French market as importers aim for high-end buyers after the first shipment cleared customs, CNA reported Friday.
In visits to Rungis International Market near Paris, Taiwan Representative to France Hao Pei-chih (郝培芝) reviewed the shipment and discussed market prospects. Rungis is one of the world’s largest fresh food markets.
Hao said Taiwan is confident in the quality of its fruit, but entering the EU market required strong preparation. The mangoes had to meet EU quarantine rules before they could be cleared for sale.
The shipment also required work to build the image of Taiwan’s fruits and connect exporters with local buyers, Hao said. She added Taiwanese officials and trade offices helped arrange buyer visits and business talks before the shipment.
French importer Sun 7 Fruits handled the first batch of Taiwan mangos. Company manager Bruno Chartier said the fruit was very sweet, full-fleshed, and had a small seed, making it a high-end product.
Chartier said Taiwan mangoes are more expensive than those from other countries because of their quality. He said the company would approach luxury hotels, fine restaurants, specialty stores, and premium food retailers before considering large supermarket channels.
Taiwan’s strength is not only the taste of its fruit, but also its careful packaging and handling, Chartier said. He described the first shipment as “top quality,” but said the product still needs promoting.
Chartier said that Spain also grows Irwin mangoes, but its season is September to October, later than Taiwan’s supply window.
Taiwan exporter Natural House Group said sending fruit to Europe shows its agricultural products can meet strict international standards. The company said the shipment also shows Taiwan can manage cold-chain transport over more than 10,000 kilometers.
