Peaches from Japan's Fukushima delight people in Taiwan

Peaches from Japan's Fukushima delight people in Taiwan

People in Taiwan have enjoyed peaches produced in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture for the first time in 16 years.

Specialties from Fukushima were served at an event in Taipei on Saturday aimed at promoting tourist spots in the prefecture.

Taiwan used to be the largest export destination for peaches produced in Fukushima. But following the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011, Taiwan restricted imports of Japanese food, including peaches from the prefecture.

Last year, Taiwan lifted all import restrictions, and last month Fukushima Prefecture resumed full-scale exports of peaches.

A tasting session was held at the venue, featuring a peach variety called Sachiakane, which were shipped from the town of Kunimi.

Japanese peaches are popular in Taiwan, mainly as luxury gifts. The import volume last year was about three times higher than 15 years ago.

The addition of peaches from Fukushima Prefecture is expected to further increase the volume of imports.

A woman at the event said the peach she tried was very sweet and delicious, unlike ordinary peaches.

A man said he wanted to buy some and taste them.

An official from the Fukushima prefectural government said he hopes to promote exports of peaches by letting Taiwanese people experience the high quality of the fruit produced in the prefecture.