Taipei: Taiwan’s three diplomatic allies from Central and South America are showcasing their signature agricultural and food products, including coffee beans, hot sauces, and beef, at the annual Food Taipei Mega Shows, which opened on Wednesday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the three allies-Guatemala, Belize, and Paraguay-are exhibiting their products at the Latin America Pavilion, organized by the government-funded Central America Trade Office (CATO). Guatemala is presenting a variety of natural and processed agricultural products, such as black lemons, frozen avocados, macadamia nuts, white shrimps, and coffee beans. Guatemalan ambassador Luis Raºl Est©vez L³pez, who assumed office in January, noted this as his first participation in the Taipei Food Show. He expressed hopes of expanding the range of Guatemalan products in future shows, mentioning potential introductions of Guatemalan rum brands.

Taiwan imported US$18 million worth of Guatemalan coffee in 2024, marking a 13 percent increase from 2023, as per Bank of Guatemala data. Coffee stands as Guatemala’s second-largest export product to Taiwan, following sugar.

Belize is represented by its renowned brand, Marie Sharp’s chili sauce, alongside another family-run brand, Hot Mama’s Belize. The latter was showcased in a photo taken on Wednesday at the Latin America Pavilion of the Food Taipei Mega Shows.

Paraguay is putting the spotlight on its grass-fed beef and natural nuts, with its frozen beef sourced from grass-fed grazing cattle.

According to event organizers, the Taipei food show this year features a total of 1,700 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions. Held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, the event is expected to attract approximately 45,000 visitors before it concludes on Saturday. Guatemala, Belize, and Paraguay are among the 12 countries worldwide that formally recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name).