Carrots catering to Japanese market set to leave Taiwan

The first-ever batch of Taiwan-grown carrots grown to order for Japanese customers were sealed in containers Tuesday before setting sail and were expected to arrive in Kobe on Jan. 9, according to Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) officials. Previous carrot shipments to Japan were generally small and packed in bulk, but Tuesday's batch of 900 tons of carrots was grown specifically to the requirements of two Japanese customers and will be distributed through retail outlets. The carrots were grown by the Dong Shih Fruits and Vegetable Production Cooperative in Yunlin County and are noted for their high quality, bright colors, smooth texture, and sweetness, AFA officials said.

They were approved for shipment in mid-December by the Japanese customers after passing 363 different tests for pesticide residues and are scheduled to arrive in Japan on Jan. 9, the officials said. Taiwan produces about 100,000 tons of carrots per year, mostly in Yunlin and Changhua counties and Tainan. The growing season extends from November to April, officials said. Taiwan's carrot exports have grown significantly in recent years, especially following the establishment of designated export zones in 2009, according to the agency. From 7,838 tons of shipments in 2009, carrot exports grew 20 percent to 9,426 tons in 2010 and by another 53 percent to 14,480 tons in 2011, agency statistics showed.

Source: focustaiwan.tw