The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has called on local food and beverage businesses to apply for participation at the Kaohsiung Food Show (KFS) 2025 in Taiwan.
The trade fair is scheduled for October 23–26 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre. Applications are open until August 27, with successful businesses set to showcase their products in the Eswatini Pavilion.
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The initiative is supported by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and facilitated by EIPA.
Exposure for Eswatini Producers
EIPA’s Manager for External Trade Promotion, Thandeka Dlamini, explained that the exhibition would give Eswatini businesses unprecedented exposure to international buyers.
“We are pleased to once again be inviting local businesses in the food and beverage industry to exhibit at the Kaohsiung Food Show in Taiwan. The KFS is more than just an exhibition, it is a direct gateway to a dynamic consumer market with an appetite for Eswatini-made products,” she said.
She stressed that the event would provide opportunities for producers to connect with global distributors, importers and retailers, while securing deals that could boost exports both in the short and long term.
Taiwan’s Premier Food Trade Fair
The Kaohsiung Food Show is one of Taiwan’s premier food trade fairs. In 2024, it attracted over 320 exhibitors and nearly 15 900 visitors, including industry leaders in sourcing, procurement and retail.
Dlamini said exhibitors would also gain market intelligence on industry trends, packaging, and buyer requirements, as well as strategic networking opportunities.
Product categories on display will include:
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Fresh fruit and agricultural produce
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Seafood, meat and dairy
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Beverages (coffee, tea, wine, spirits)
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Bakery items, frozen and processed foods
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Confectionery, spices, condiments, oils
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Dehydrated foods, health and leisure products, functional snacks
Trade Benefits Through Eswatini–Taiwan ECA
She further highlighted the advantages of the Eswatini–Taiwan Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), under which exporters enjoy tariff reductions and preferential trade terms.
During the 27th Economic and Technical Cooperation Conference between Taiwan and Eswatini in July 2024, it was revealed that bilateral trade reached US$8.19 million, marking an 8% increase compared to 2017.
Eswatini’s exports to Taiwan alone rose by more than 29% in the same period.
“The Economic Cooperation Agreement with Taiwan provides compelling export advantages for Eswatini producers not only through preferential market access and tariff relief, but also through institutional support and regional strategic positioning,” Dlamini said.
She concluded that showcasing products at the Kaohsiung Food Show would help Eswatini transform these trade advantages into tangible export growth and sustainable international partnerships.
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