As one of Taiwan's specialty fruits, custard apples are harvested in November each year, and the supply can last until May of the following year. Since the trade door to mainland China was closed last year, Taiwanese custard apple growers have begun to explore alternative markets actively. Recently, Mr. Rock Yen from Fruit Paradise Trading Co., Ltd. shared his market insights with FreshPlaza.
The overall sugar content of Taiwanese fruits is relatively high, and the shelf life is relatively short, which brings great challenges to long-distance transportation. Mr. Yen said, "Considering logistics advantages, the Southeast Asian market, which is relatively close to Taiwan, has become our first choice. Although Southeast Asian countries grow custard apples as well, due to the different varieties and growing environments, the custard apples produced in Taiwan are larger and more popular with local consumers, especially overseas Chinese. Often, people buy custard apples as gift boxes.”
In fact, a Taiwanese trader exported custard apples to Vietnam last year, and the sales response was excellent.
"Last year we developed the Philippine and Indonesian markets. Many people there have never tasted Taiwanese custard apples before. After eating them, they were very satisfied with the excellent quality, beautiful fruit shape, and good taste. Based on our positive sales experience, we hope to increase the export volume to the Philippines and Indonesia this year and start the export to Vietnam and Malaysia.” Mr. Yen said.
In recent years, the economic development of Southeast Asian countries has been outstanding, and the overall consumption power has increased significantly. Mr. Yen explained, "This year will be a great opportunity to promote Taiwanese fruits in Southeast Asian countries. This is mainly because, first of all, the rapid development of Southeast Asia has attracted many Taiwanese businessmen to go there, and these groups have a strong demand for Taiwanese fruits. Second, local consumers in Southeast Asian countries have also expressed great interest in fruits that cannot be produced by themselves. Third, the overall sea freight rate this year is more stable than last year and prices have dropped sharply."
For more information:
Contact: Rock Yen
Fruit Paradise Trading Co., Ltd.
Tel: +886 963 578 900
Email: xffresh@gmail.com