Taichung City Government in Taiwan has been promoting ponkan mandarin oranges internationally. Taiwan recently exported 15 tonnes of ponkan in a single container to Malaysia. A promotional event in Kuala Lumpur introduced these mandarins to the local market.
Representatives included James Chang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia and Fu Yu-Chin from the Shigang District Farmers' Association. Ponkan oranges are a key export from Taichung, with a harvest season from November to February, covering 1,388 hectares and producing 25,045 tonnes annually. Key production areas are Dongshi, Shigang, Fengyuan, Houli, Xinshe, and Beitun.
Taichung's climate and soil conditions contribute to the ponkan's characteristics, including vibrant skin and a balanced taste. The Agriculture Bureau organizes competitions to promote quality cultivation and diverse marketing strategies. Huang Yu-Chun from the Agriculture Bureau highlighted the recognition of Taichung's ponkans due to collaborative efforts with agricultural groups and farmers.
This year, export destinations include Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada. Ponkan has been integrated into local cuisines with dishes like ponkan shrimp and desserts such as ponkan cheesecakes and puddings. The fruit's round shape symbolizes prosperity, appealing to the global Chinese market.
To attract the Chinese community in Malaysia, the bureau collaborates with local associations to export ponkan in gift boxes labeled with the "Taichung City Government Quality Agricultural Products" trademark. These boxes are available at select supermarkets. Additionally, RT Pastry has created limited-edition Mandarin Orange Buns.
Source: The Star