Taiwan's allies showcase coffee, chili sauce, beef at Taipei Food Show

Taipei, June 25 (CNA) Taiwan's three diplomatic allies in Central and South America are showcasing their signature agricultural and food products, including coffee beans, hot sauces and beef, at the annual Food Taipei Mega Shows that opened Wednesday.

The three allies, Guatemala, Belize and Paraguay, are exhibiting products in the annual food show's Latin America Pavilion, organized by the government-funded Central America Trade Office (CATO).

Guatemala is presenting its natural and processed agricultural products, including black lemons, frozen avocados, macadamia nuts, white shrimps, and coffee beans.

"We have coffee, we have some fruits, we have new products, we have shrimps," Guatemalan ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López told reporters at the food show's opening on Wednesday.

The envoy, who officially took office in January, said this was the first time he was taking part in the Taipei Food Show.

He expected to expand the range of Guatemalan products promoted at future shows in Taiwan, including Guatemalan rum brands.

"Hopefully, step by step, we are going to introduce more and more products as the fairs continue to open," he said.

Taiwan imported US$18 million worth of Guatemalan coffee in 2024, up 13 percent from 2023, Bank of Guatemala data showed.

Coffee is the country's second-largest export product to Taiwan, following sugar, the data showed.

Belize was represented by its national treasure brand Marie Sharp's chili sauce and another family-run brand, Hot Mama's Belize, according to CATO in a statement.

Paraguay, meanwhile, is highlighting grass-fed beef and natural nuts. Its frozen beef comes from grass-fed grazing cattle.

According to event organizers, a total of 1,700 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions are taking part in this year's Taipei food show, being held for the 35th time.

It is being held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, and an estimated 45,000 visitors are expected to attend through its conclusion Saturday.

Guatemala, Belize and Paraguay are just three of the 12 countries around the world that formally recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name).