Taiwan: First batch of extended shelf life frozen pineapple shipped to Japan

Kaohsiung, May 9 (CNA) A first batch of 20 metric tons of flash frozen, chopped pineapple with a two-year shelf life was shipped out of Kaohsiung on Monday en route for Japan, according to the Agriculture Bureau of the Kaohsiung City government. In a press release, the bureau said the shipment of Kaohsiung-grown pineapple was expected to arrive in Yokohama in mid- to late-May, and would hit store shelves after passing through customs. According to the bureau, the pineapple was flash frozen and processed to extend its shelf life and ensure its year-round availability in Japan, in spite of shipping delays and other factors that have recently affected produce export schedules. Hsieh Hsiang-ching (謝翔進), CEO of Qing De Nong Fruit Agriculture Co., which developed the processing technology, said that 80 metric tons of fresh pineapple had gone into the 20 metric tons of finished product. The fruit was closely monitored for bacteria during processing and was shipped via a cold chain sea ...