#Japan #Tokyo #Cold Chain #Taiwanese Pineapple #Pharma Mind

The Journey of Taiwanese Pineapples to Japan

In a dynamic effort to connect cold chain logistics between Taiwan and Japan, Pharma Mind, a comprehensive fresh produce distribution company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is making waves in the market. The company specializes in bringing a variety of fresh and delicious fruits, including bananas, avocados, and apples, to Japanese consumers.

On April 25, a tasting event was held to promote the exquisite taste of Taiwanese pineapples, facilitated by Pharma Mind's Executive Officer, Katsunari Iida, and Masaki Shirato, Executive Officer of AEON Hokkaido. The event was graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Taiwan, Hu Chung-yi, who played an essential role in highlighting the pineapple's potential to reach a broader audience.

Pharma Mind's Commitment to Quality

In a statement, Katsunari Iida expressed his enthusiasm for the Taiwanese pineapple, stating, "Its softness all the way to the core, coupled with its sweetness and juiciness, has captivated many consumers in Japan. Pharma Mind will leverage its strong cold chain technology to ensure stable quality, working closely with our partners to deliver even tastier Taiwanese pineapples to everyone in Japan." The company is also set to expand its offerings of cut pineapples and adapt its product proposals to meet changing social trends.

AEON Hokkaido's Contribution

Masaki Shirato from AEON Hokkaido remarked on the growing demand for Taiwanese pineapples since 2021, emphasizing the fruit's emergence as a popular seasonal delight in spring. He added that AEON Hokkaido is actively engaged in promoting the pineapple, offering not only whole fruit but also convenient pre-cut options. "We have received great feedback for the sweetness and tenderness of the pineapple, leading to an increase in repeat customers each year. We will continue fostering our relationship with Taiwan to ensure more customers can enjoy delicious pineapples through various marketing initiatives."

Taiwan's Commitment to Quality Control

Taiwan's Agricultural Department, represented by Deputy Minister Hu Chung-yi, highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality pineapple exports. The department is proactive in implementing traceability and guiding quality control at sorting facilities and among farmer organizations. Hu stated that with these initiatives, the anticipated export volume to Japan is projected to reach 19,373 tons by 2024, hoping to secure a larger presence in various stores and gain the appreciation of Japanese consumers.

Unique Characteristics of Taiwanese Sweet Pineapples

Pharma Mind's "Taiwan Sweet Pineapple" is an exclusive variety cultivated for high sugar content. The island's ideal climatic conditions, characterized by strong sunlight in summer and significant temperature variations in winter, contribute to the fruit's rich sweetness, and its flesh boasts a vibrant golden color. Sourced from the prime regions of Pingtung and Kaohsiung at its peak ripeness, these pineapples are transported directly to Japan.

The company emphasizes traceability by having staff stationed in Taiwan year-round. They prioritize temperature management, including pre-cooling processes, and strengthen local collaborations to create an efficient cold chain connecting producers to consumers, ensuring fresh and high-quality products.

Sales Period and Future Plans

The sales period for these Taiwanese pineapples is slated from late February to late June 2025. By partnering with governmental bodies in Taiwan and collaborating with local enterprises, Pharma Mind aims to fortify cold chain networks that support produce distribution between Japan and Taiwan. As the fifth year of selling Taiwanese pineapples in Japan commences, the company is committed to delivering unmatched freshness and taste. Pharma Mind will continue to expand its cold chain presence in the Asian market, providing an array of consumers with fresh, high-quality produce consistently.