Japan was the largest importer of Taiwanese mangoes in the first seven months of this year, purchasing more than 500 tons, according to Ministry of Agriculture data.
From January to July, Taiwan exported 1,510 tons of mangoes worth nearly US$8.95 million, with Japan accounting for the largest share by both volume and value. Exports to Japan, including fresh, dried, and frozen mangoes as well as mango juice, totaled 515 tons valued at nearly US$5.08 million.
The U.S. was the second-largest buyer, importing 463 tons at about US$1.28 million, followed by South Korea with 141 tons worth nearly US$1.1 million.
In 2024, Taiwan exported 3,658 tons of mango products valued at US$16.18 million. Japan was the leading market in value at nearly US$5.56 million, followed by South Korea with US$4.72 million and Hong Kong with US$2.34 million. By quantity, however, Hong Kong was the largest importer at 866 tons, followed by South Korea with 787 tons and Japan with 753 tons.
Separately, a Spanish food website highlighted Taiwan's fruit milk, particularly papaya milk, as a traditional and widely consumed beverage. Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea or boba tea, originated in Taiwan and has become globally popular. According to Directo al Paladar, while bubble tea revitalized Asia's tea culture with tapioca pearls and a chewy texture, Taiwan has an even more established beverage tradition with fruit milk, especially papaya milk.
Fruit milk combines tropical fruits with milk and is described as having a smooth texture and aroma. Varieties include papaya, mango, and other seasonal fruits. Directo al Paladar noted that fruit milk is considered more nutritious than bubble tea and referred to it as a "match made in heaven."
The report added that papaya milk is easy to prepare at home and that generations in Taiwan have grown up consuming it. Today, consumers can find mass-produced papaya milk products in addition to a wide range of recipes that use different fruits and flavors. For those who are not fans of bubble tea, fruit milk is presented as an alternative option.
Source: Taipei Times