The Taichung City Government has long promoted high-quality Ponkan mandarins from Taichung to international markets. This winter, the first export shipment of 15 metric tons of Ponkan mandarins was sent to Malaysia. Today (9th), representatives from Taichung organized the Taichung Ponkan in Malaysia 2025 Promotional Event at the Grand Imperial Restaurant in Malaysia, introducing the Ponkan’s sweet and juicy flavor to local consumers. Additionally, through collaboration with RT Pastry, Ponkan mandarins were incorporated into baked goods, resulting in the limited-edition Mandarin Orange Bun, while partnerships with influencers highlighted a Ponkan-themed Prosperity Chicken dish. These efforts provide an enriching gastronomic experience while strengthening trade and economic ties between Taichung and Malaysia.

The Agriculture Bureau highlights Ponkan mandarins as a significant fruit for Taichung and a primary export. With a growing season from November to February and a total cultivation area of 1,388 hectares, the fruit yields 25,045 metric tons annually. Major cultivation areas include Dongshi, Shigang, Fengyuan, Houli, Xinshe, and Beitun. Benefiting from Taichung's ideal climate, fertile soil, and ample rainfall, the mandarins produced here feature vibrant skin, plump fruit, firm texture, sweet and juicy flesh, a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and high nutritional value. To encourage high-quality cultivation, the bureau hosts annual Ponkan competitions and leverages various marketing strategies to promote this fruit.

Huang Yu-chun, Section Chief of the Agriculture Bureau, highlighted the sustained efforts of the Taichung City Government, local farming groups, and farmers in promoting Ponkan mandarins. While available domestically, the fruit is also exported to markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada. Beyond fresh fruit exports, recent initiatives include creative cross-industry collaborations that pair Ponkan mandarins with local ingredients, like Ponkan shrimp, and the development of limited-edition desserts such as Ponkan cheesecake, pound cake, and panna cotta. This year, new products are set to launch, inviting people around the globe to experience the diverse culinary appeal of Ponkan mandarins.

According to the Agriculture Bureau, Ponkan mandarins are prized for their round, plump shape, which symbolizes good fortune and is especially popular in Chinese markets worldwide. With Malaysia's Chinese population exceeding 6.9 million, the bureau actively supports local farmers' associations in exporting the fruit to Malaysia. To boost brand visibility and consumer trust, the “Taichung City Government Agriculture Bureau Premium Agricultural Products” logo is printed Ponkan’s packaging. This winter, the initial export of 15 metric tons of Ponkan gift sets to Malaysia allows local consumers to purchase them at Star Grocer under Khaishen Trading. and Whole Foods Express supermarkets. It’s a top choice for festive gifts.

Today's event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Section Chief Huang Yu-chun of the Taichung City Government’s Agriculture Bureau, James Chang, Head of the Economic Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, Eva Peng, Director of the Taiwan Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, Directors Liao Ting-chien and Fu Yu-chin of the Shigang District Farmers' Association, Vice President Tsai Hsin-tien of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Malaysia, CEO Chen Chung-ching of Khaishen Trading, and Managing Director Lu Chien-wei of RT Pastry. The event expressed hopes that Taichung's Ponkan mandarins will achieve strong sales in the Malaysian market.