"These last four years we focused on delivering top quality ready-to-eat pineapples. We work in close cooperation with growers in Taiwan that produce the local Golden Diamond pineapple variety. We sell the crop in Taiwan and China, and have recently started exports to Japan, albeit on a small scale," says Zhang of the Chinese Taiwanese company Nong Yiyuan.
The chairman of Nong Yiyuan, Mr Ling Fuji, has been involved in trade between China and Taiwan for many years. Four years ago he met, by chance, a couple of pineapple farmers from Pingdong. He was impressed by the taste and texture of the pineapples. That is when he decided to launch into the pineapple export business.
Ready-to-eat
Thanks to their premium quality, the pineapples are sold in high-end shopping malls in China, including Sogo in Shanghai, Takashimaya and Hisayoshi.
"The pineapples are grown in Ailiao Xi area near Pingdong, Taiwan. This region has a gravel terrain, barren yet with good drainage. This provides an excellent growing condition for pineapples, which are a drought-resistant fruit. Pineapples from this region are famous for their tender texture and tasty juice."
"We are the first company that is exporting naturally ripe pineapples to mainland China. Before, pineapple exporters would ship green pineapples. Compared to green pineapples, ripe yellow pineapples have a higher natural sweetness."
"We have our own technical team that is present at the production side to control all batches of pineapples. The main variety we grow is the Tainong 17 Golden Diamond. We trademark it with the Shitoudi brand, both in China and Taiwan. Our export packaging is pure yellow or pure white."
"Each year, we have the ability to supply 1.2 million pineapples. The harvest season runs from February to June, only during these months we can export. We ship to the port of Xiamen, from there the pineapples are transported to the wholesale markets of Shanghai and Guangzhou."
"Our strategy for the season is to expand our retail channels, start exporting to the centre and North of china and keep promoting Mainland consumers about the benefits of fresh pineapples.
