September 19, 2025 | Ag Tech Navigator |
Taiwan is investing in pomelo processing and upcycling to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable agriculture. Typhoon Danas and prolonged heavy rainfall in July 2025 caused pomelo yields to drop 35% to 40,000 tons, but domestic supply remained sufficient and quality high. The Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) emphasized the importance of adapting to extreme weather through modern infrastructure and smart technology.
Key initiatives include Taiwan’s first intelligent pomelo grading and packaging facility in Tainan’s Madou district, which reduces labour needs by two-thirds, and a new ISO 22000-certified processing plant in Hualien’s Ruisui, boosting capacity by 20%. These projects reduce post-harvest losses, mitigate disaster risks, and address rural labour shortages.
Beyond fresh fruit, Taiwan is advancing pomelo upcycling by developing technologies to turn peel, flesh, and pith into value-added products. Farmers and cooperatives now benefit from new revenue streams, such as jams, candied peel, essential oils, sauces, and baked goods.
At a promotional event, AFA showcased over 30 pomelo-based innovations, from honey pomelo juice to pomelo rice bread, with Michelin Green Star chef Zhang Haofu demonstrating recipes. These efforts aim to reduce waste, diversify markets, and secure the industry’s long-term sustainability under climate pressures.
