FOR years, Taichung City Government from Taiwan has actively promoted high-quality ponkan mandarin oranges to international markets.
This year, Taiwan marked its first export of 15 tonnes of ponkan in a single container to Malaysia.
A promotional event was held in Kuala Lumpur to introduce the sweet, juicy ponkan to the local community.
Among the representatives at the event were Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia economic division director James Chang and Shigang District Farmers’ Association of Taichung City marketing department director Fu Yu-Chin.Ponkan oranges are one of Taichung’s key fruits and a major export product.
The harvest season spans from November to February, with a total cultivation area of 1,388ha and an annual production of 25,045 tonnes.
Major production areas include Dongshi, Shigang, Fengyuan, Houli, Xinshe and Beitun.
Thanks to Taichung’s abundant rainfall, fertile soil and ideal climate, the ponkan produced boast vibrant skin, plump fruits, firm texture and a balanced sweet-tart taste.
The Agriculture Bureau also organises annual ponkan competitions to encourage farmers to cultivate high-quality produce while promoting them through diverse marketing channels.
Agriculture Bureau division chief Huang Yu-Chun said Taichung’s ponkans had gained recognition through the joint efforts of the city government, agricultural groups and farmers.
Export destinations this year include Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan and Canada.
Recent years have seen innovative collaborations integrating the fruit into local cuisines such as ponkan shrimp dishes and limited-edition desserts like ponkan cheesecakes, pound cakes and puddings.
The full, round shape of ponkans symbolises prosperity and good fortune, making them a perennial favourite in the global Chinese market.
To appeal to the Chinese community in Malaysia, the bureau has worked with local agricultural associations to export ponkan in gift boxes featuring the “Taichung City Government Quality Agricultural Products” trademark.
Ponkan gift boxes are now available at selected supermarkets.
Additionally, RT Pastry has collaborated to create limited-edition Mandarin Orange Buns.
