Chinese Taipei was the largest exporter of canned pineapple in the early 1970s. However, production for domestic markets, directed by a breeding program leading to fresh-eating pineapple cultivars, has become a major focus since 1986. In 2008, about 10,613 ha were planted in Chinese Taipei, mainly from the central and southern areas, and 452,060 t of pineapple fruits were produced. The most important cultivar, ‘Tainong 17’, spread rapidly island wide after it was released in 1998. Because of high vigor and high sugar content with low acidity ‘Tainong 17’ comprises over 90% of the pineapple marketed in Chinese Taipei. The export of pineapple fruits from Chinese Taipei has been increasing in recent years and reached 1,784 t in 2009. Japan and China are the main markets, followed by Canada and Korea. Cultural practices for steady production of quality fruits and postharvest handling for long-term transportation are important research aims for further increasing pineapple exports.
