Peaches

Japanese producers have been ramping up efforts to access Asian markets on the back of their high-quality produce, and one of the newer success stories is Wakayama peaches, according to Daily Yomiuri Online.

High-grade peaches from Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture will make their way to Taiwan on a trial basis this month. The 300-360g fruit sells in Taipei at four to five times the price in Japan.

The fruit will take only a day to reach Taiwanese shops after being harvested; the Kinki District Transport Bureau initiative will take advantage of nearby Kansai Airport to fly the peaches directly from producers to Taiwanese retailers.

The bureau is also planning trial shipments to locations such as Russia and Dubai, as part of a wider trend in Japan to expand the country’s fresh produce export market.

Domestic demand for such products appears to have plateaued, largely due to the declining birthrate and ageing population. But Japanese fresh produce is becoming more popular in Asian markets that appreciate its high quality, safety attributes and flavour.