Product Offerings
Products:
Canned Food: Canned Meat, Canned Vegetables, Canned Seafood, Canned Fruits, Canned Beans
Taiwan Canners Association, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, is the central industry body representing the interests of Taiwan’s canned food manufacturing sector. Established to foster cooperation among producers and promote the export of Taiwanese canned foods, the association plays a pivotal role in trade facilitation, quality standardization, and international market outreach.
Core Role and Operations
The Taiwan Canners Association (TCA) functions as a non-profit trade organization. It provides industry coordination, regulatory advocacy, export support, and market intelligence to its member companies. The association liaises with government agencies, foreign trade offices, and food safety authorities to ensure the competitiveness of Taiwan's canned food products globally.
Its key operations include:
- Supporting members in food safety certification and export documentation
- Coordinating participation in international food trade shows such as ANUGA, SIAL, and FOODEX
- Providing technical training and seminars on global food regulations
- Publishing reports on market trends, sustainability, and production best practices
Industry Representation and Product Categories
The Taiwan Canners Association represents over 30 key members involved in the production and export of:
- Canned Meat – Pork, chicken, and luncheon meat in various packaging formats
- Canned Vegetables – Bamboo shoots, baby corn, mushrooms, mixed vegetables
- Canned Seafood – Tuna, sardines, mackerel, squid
- Canned Fruits – Pineapple, lychee, longan, mango
- Canned Beans – Red beans, mung beans, kidney beans, mixed legumes
These products are manufactured primarily in southern and central Taiwan where access to raw materials and port infrastructure supports efficient supply chains.
Specialisation and USP
TCA's unique value lies in its ability to unify a diverse group of processors and enable cohesive international branding for Taiwanese canned foods. Taiwan’s canneries are known for:
- High food safety standards and adherence to HACCP and ISO protocols
- Modern canning technologies and sustainable processing methods
- Customizable OEM and private-label solutions
- Shelf-stable tropical fruits and Asian specialty foods in consumer-friendly packaging
The association ensures that its members consistently deliver quality compliant with U.S. FDA, EU regulations, and Codex Alimentarius standards.
Market Impact and Export Data
Taiwan’s canned food industry, represented by the TCA, exports to over 80 countries with strong penetration in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
- Annual Export Value (2023): Over USD 400 million (cumulative for the sector)
- Top Products by Export Value: Canned pineapple, canned tuna, canned bamboo shoots
- Top Markets: United States, Japan, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Canada
TCA facilitates over 70% of Taiwan’s canned food trade activities through its member organizations, significantly influencing Taiwan’s agro-processing GDP contribution.
Membership and Collaboration
The TCA’s members include both multinational exporters and medium-sized enterprises. The association promotes:
- Cross-sector collaboration (e.g., with fruit and vegetable growers, logistics firms)
- Joint ventures and alliances for R&D in shelf-life extension
- Policy dialogues on export incentives and food safety regulations
It also collaborates with international food bodies like the World Canned Food Association and regional ASEAN trade chambers.
Certifications and Quality Assurance
Members of the Taiwan Canners Association maintain certifications such as:
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management Systems
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- BRC – Global Food Standard (for EU and UK market access)
- Halal and Kosher Certification – For Middle Eastern and Jewish markets
TCA conducts internal audits and workshops to support ongoing compliance and traceability improvements.
Key Achievements
- Instrumental in promoting Taiwan’s canned pineapple and tuna as global export leaders
- Played a critical role in negotiating favorable food trade terms with Japan and the EU
- Supported members in transitioning to BPA-free can linings and sustainable packaging formats
- Regularly hosts the Taiwan International Canned Food Show and other trade events
- Developed a unified export platform to help small and medium processors access global markets
Taiwan Canners Association remains a cornerstone institution in advancing Taiwan’s processed food industry, ensuring that its members uphold global quality standards and continue to lead in innovation and market responsiveness.