Central American specialty ingredients vie for market share at food exhibition

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

The six Central American countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan have set up a “Central America Pavilion” and an “FTA National Products Zone” in collaboration with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) at the upcoming International Food Exhibition starting on the 26th. In addition to offering free tastings of their renowned premium coffee to attract visitors, these countries are also showcasing a variety of exotic ingredients, hoping to tap into the Taiwanese market.

▲ Central American countries display a variety of specialty ingredients, aiming to break into the Taiwanese market. (Photo / Reporter Tseng Ya-ling)

The Central America Pavilion includes six countries: Belize, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries are traditional industries, with exports such as sugar, coffee, fruits and vegetables, seafood, and meat being major sources of foreign exchange for these nations. The Central America Trade Office noted that apart from Belize, the other five countries have signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Taiwan. As a result, in recent years, Central American food exporters have set their sights on the Taiwanese market. This year, up to 40 vendors of various food products have come to Taiwan to participate in the Taipei International Food Exhibition, actively promoting high-quality and competitively priced Central American specialty ingredients.

The Central America Trade Office stated that besides coffee, beef, and seafood products being the highlights for tasting this year, there are also nearly 100 types of carefully selected Central American products on display, including: Belize’s hot sauce and rum; El Salvador’s yellow jujube, noni juice, organic roselle tea, organic sesame (oil), chocolate, cashews, hibiscus syrup, honey, and eel; Guatemala’s candies, carbonated beverages, macadamia nuts, [product names unclear], fresh produce; Honduras’ canned goods, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sesame, peanuts, cocoa beans, dairy products, juices, as well as Panama’s natural pepper sauce, flavored chili sauce, noni, honey candy, and propolis.

Visitors can also enjoy different types of freshly brewed coffee, making the food zone a “must-visit” highlight. (Photo / Reporter Tseng Ya-ling)

 

During the four-day exhibition period from the 26th to the 29th, all Central American booths will offer premium coffee tastings as well as free samples of Central American cuisine. At the same time, the “Central America Gourmet Challenge” event, which introduces Central American food culture and cooking demonstrations, will be held. Everyone who participates has the chance to win a trip to Central America or prizes such as an iPad mini.