A shipment of 20 metric tons of flash frozen, chopped pineapple with a two-year shelf life, made from Kaohsiung-grown pineapples, was dispatched to Japan on May 9. The pineapple was processed to extend its shelf life and overcome shipping delays, and is expected to arrive in Yokohama in mid- to late-May. The technology for this processing was developed by Qing De Nong Fruit Agriculture Co. The long shelf life achieved through flash freezing is expected to allow Kaohsiung pineapples to reach new markets including Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Japan has become the leading export destination for Taiwanese pineapples since China halted imports of the fruit from Taiwan in February last year.