Thai mangosteens have become an instant hit among Taiwanese consumers after the fruit went on sale there recently for the first time in 15 years.
Department of Agriculture director-general Surmsuk Salakpetch: "The Taiwanese press reported that consumers queued up to buy mangosteen from Thailand. The first lot of 980 kilogrammes was sold out in only 30 minutes."
"The unexpected positive response has proved a good opportunity for Thai exporters," she added. "Since September 5, Thai entrepreneurs have exported 100,533kg of mangosteens to Taiwan, worth more than Bt20 million (€595,000)."
According to the director-general, Taiwan's import standards require Thai mangosteens to undergo a steam treatment for the decontamination and eradication of fruit flies - the latter being the reason why Taiwan had been rejecting fruits from Thailand for the past 15 years.
"We have developed a technique to treat mangosteens at 46 degrees Celsius for 58 minutes, which is the optimal temperature and time so the taste of the fruits is not ruined, while meeting the requirements of the Taiwan Plant and Animal Disease Prevention and Quarantine Office," Surmsuk told asiaone.com in conclusion.
