Food Taipei Mega Shows 2026 took place in Taiwan’s capital from 24-27 June, bringing together global leaders from across the entire food industry supply chain to showcase ideas, products, and opportunities for the future food system. Organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the event brought together five major exhibitions under one banner – Food Taipei, Foodtech Taipei, Bio/Pharmatech Taiwan, Taipei Pack, and Taiwan Horeca.
TAITRA chairman, James C.F. Huang, kicked off the Food Taipei opening ceremony with a warm welcome and call for connection across the global food supply chain.
“In Taiwan, our warmest greeting is not “How are you?” but “Have you eaten yet?”. This simple question shows how deeply food is rooted in our care for one another,” said Huang.
“Taiwan’s food heritage has always been a masterpiece of openness and inclusion. This year, our global connection is stronger than ever. We are hosting a record-breaking 21 international pavilions, bringing you a true culinary journey spanning across five continents. Within this space, we showcase next-generation dietary innovations, from precision nutrition that speaks to your unique health needs, to plant-based solutions designed to protect both our bodies and our planet.”
Taiwan is home to more than 8000 food and beverage companies, an industry worth more than NT$1 trillion (~AU$45 billion). During the opening ceremony, deputy secretary-general to the ROC president, Mark Chih-wei Ho, said the government was investing heavily to accelerate the industry, focused on automation and sustainability. With the budget, resources and plans in place, Taiwan is aiming to expand its international presence – and Australia offers a strong trade partner to work with.
Australia has a substantial trade relationship with Taiwan, with two-way goods and services trade between the countries worth $27.9 billion in 2025. Taiwan was Australia’s ninth largest goods and services export market in 2025, worth $17.5 billion. Australia remains an important exporter of agricultural and forestry products to Taiwan, and Australian supplements, and high quality food and beverages are increasingly popular with health conscious consumers in Taiwan.
Taiwan Food & Pharma Machinery Manufacturers Association chairman, Chi-Pei Sung, emphasised Taiwan’s focus on the AI supply chain, led by the semiconductor manufacturing industry. He stated there was increasing demand to offer customisation solutions to maintain competitiveness, and called for continued government investment in R&D to support SMEs in upgrading manufacturing and marketing capability.
As Taiwan works on streamlining business processes to balance the technology industry and push for international expansion, Food Taipei acts as a sounding board for the industry and an opportunity to source and introduce new ideas.
Australian presence
This year’s show welcomed almost 45,000 visitors and featured exhibitors from 33 countries, including a booth featuring 22 Australian food and beverage companies, hosted by Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ).
TIQ commissioner – Taiwan, Juna Ferrett, said Queensland plays an important role in Australia's beef exports, as the country's largest beef-producing state
“Taiwan presents a compelling opportunity driven by its reliance on imports and focus on food security, coupled with strong consumer spending power,” said Ferrett.
“Taiwan imports 70 per cent of its food from all over the world, and Australia is one of Taiwan's major beef suppliers. As Taiwan continues to experience robust growth and rising investment, this creates significant opportunities for Queensland, particularly in sectors aligned with its strengths, including agriculture, food production, and export-driven industries.
“We sit alongside Queensland exporters and connect them with the right buyers on the ground in Taiwan, including importers, distributors, retailers and food service. Then we bring them into market, or help to expand their presence. That’s where TIQ adds real commercial value.”
Many of the Taiwanese exhibitors already export to Australia, or expressed interest in expanding into the market. Australian ingredients, like the macadamia nuts in Cona’s Chocolates, also made an appearance across categories.
The functional push
Like in the Australian market, functional foods and beverages are flooding Taiwan's industry. Although there is less of a focus on added ingredients, and more on incorporating functional natural ingredients, the global protein trend is making an impact.
Captain Danny is a local brand making non-fried rice popcorn, now exporting to the US, UK, and Japan. The company’s latest launch is plant-based high-protein chips, ready to tackle functional snacking.
Ingredient supplier, Ming Chyi Biotechnology (MCB), said the growth of protein’s popularity in Asia is steadily rising, but the company still conducts around 70 per cent of business overseas – with Australia as one of its largest markets in the APAC region.
A spokesperson from the company told Food & Drink Business that whey protein is currently the most popular in Asia, but plant-based proteins like pea and soy are gaining popularity due to rising costs and sustainability concerns. A departure from the typical milky protein beverages has been noted, with MCB making products like multifunctional protein water blends, with added collagen. The company also produces an ultra-smooth pea protein that is triple enzyme hydrolysed and deodorised for drinkability, whilst maintaining its amino acid content.
Other functional beverages are also making their way to market, with Passion 24’s functional juices stocked across Taiwan convenience stores. Owned by private label beverage manufacturer, Yun Ding Enterprise Co., Passion 24’s Wake and Beauty options were developed over years of rigorous testing to narrow down the functional ingredients used, ratios of effectivity, and flavour while containing no added sugars or artificial caffeine.
Flavour trends
Taiwan is known for its tea, and potential trendy flavours seem to be proving themselves in the beverage category. Matcha remains in the spotlight, but ube is catching up quickly – something not often seen in Australian snacking yet. Indulgent flavours like dubai chocolate and strawberry cheesecake can be seen across products, while buckwheat, roselle, and black bori (dark roasted barley tea) are growing in popularity for their functional benefits and drinkability.
Feng Ji Food Co confectionery brand, Cherry Grandfather, is one of the most popular souvenirs from Taiwan – producing a range of premium nougat and other sweet treats. A spokesperson from the company told F&DB that some of the most popular flavours in Taiwan channeled the nostalgia of market stalls, with tropical fruit flavours like pineapple, mango, lychee and durian. Natural functional ingredients are also incorporated into Cherry Grandfather products, with black sesame, red dates, and walnuts intended to support health.
Food Taipei Mega Shows will return in 2027, taking place 23-27 June.
