Taiwan expands exports of its prized mangoes to Europe

TAICHUNG/TAITUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan is expanding exports of its prized mangoes to Europe, marking a significant step in bringing one of the island’s most popular fruits to new international markets.

Known for their sweet flavor, juicy texture, and fragrant aroma, Taiwanese mangoes have traditionally been enjoyed mostly by visitors to the island or consumers in nearby Asian markets. This year, however, shipments are set to reach France and the United Kingdom for the first time.

Europe typically imports mangoes from countries such as India and Pakistan. Despite the higher price of Taiwanese mangoes, exporters believe their superior taste will help them compete in the premium fruit market.

David Chen, chief executive officer of fruit export company Natural House Taiwan, said the cost of exporting mangoes has increased significantly, but demand has remained strong.

He said buyers have continued purchasing the fruit despite rising prices, reflecting confidence in the quality and flavor of Taiwanese mangoes.

Although Taiwan is globally recognized for its advanced semiconductor industry, agriculture played a major role in building the island’s international reputation. During the Japanese colonial period from 1895 to 1945, Taiwan became known for exporting tropical fruits such as pineapples and bananas.

While mangoes have been cultivated in Taiwan for generations, the sweeter Irwin variety, originally introduced from the United States in the 1960s, has become the island’s signature mango and remains its most widely recognized variety.

Taiwan produced more than 100,000 metric tons of mangoes last year, but only a small portion was exported. Most shipments have traditionally gone to Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Farmer You Tsang-fu, who has grown hybrid Summer Snow mangoes in Taitung County for the past 15 years, recently sent a trial shipment of five boxes to Europe. The fruit had to meet strict European Union regulations, including limits on pesticide residues and stringent quality standards.

You said exporting to the European market requires stricter fruit selection and field management than products intended for Taiwan’s domestic market.

The Taiwanese government has encouraged farmers to diversify export destinations amid ongoing political tensions with China, which has imposed import restrictions on several Taiwanese fruits in recent years.

President Lai Ching-te has accused China of using fruit import bans as a political tool, saying restrictions have affected products including pineapples, custard apples, wax apples, and mangoes. China has maintained that the bans are based on phytosanitary concerns.

Despite the challenges, You remains optimistic about the European market. He believes consumers will appreciate the quality of Taiwan’s premium mangoes, describing the island’s Snow Mangoes as the "Louis Vuitton of the mango world." -Reporting by Ann Wang; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Christopher Cushing/Reuters