Fisheries Agency and TRA Launch Tilapia-Eel Bento Box, May Become Regular Item

(CNA reporter Wang Shufen, Taipei, July 7) The Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), and the Chiayi County Government have collaborated to promote domestic fish, launching a co-branded bento box featuring "Tilapia and Eel as Double Main Courses." It will be available for sale from today until August 23rd at 16 locations, including TRA stations. TRA Chairman Cheng Kuang-yuan stated that it may become a regular TRA bento item in the future.

The Fisheries Agency, TRA, and Chiayi County Government jointly held a press conference today for the "Heartfelt Tilapia Mouth Good Taste" TRA co-branded bento box. It was announced that the co-branded bento box will be sold from July 7th to August 23rd at 16 locations including TRA Songshan, Nangang, Taipei Dream Factory, and Keelung, Qidu, Shulin, Luodong, Taipei TRA Bento Shops 1-4, Banqiao, Hsinchu, Taichung, Changhua, and the Taichung High-Speed Rail store. Each bento box is priced at NT$199.

Last year, Taiwan experienced a bumper harvest of eel larvae. The Fisheries Agency has organized several eel promotion events this year, hoping to expand the domestic market for Taiwanese eels.

Minister of Agriculture Chen Chun-chi expressed gratitude to TRA for its long-term corporate responsibility. By collaborating with various county and city governments, TRA designs bento boxes using local ingredients, making train journeys an important platform for sharing local flavors. Chen Chun-chi also mentioned that Chiayi County has had several collaborations with TRA this year, including the launch of eel hot pot in May and a fishery products bento box in June. Today, they are launching the co-branded bento box with tilapia and eel as double main courses.

Chen Chun-chi said that eel is often considered expensive and difficult to prepare. The Ministry of Agriculture continues to develop ready-to-eat and diversified products, hoping to stabilize upstream production through market pull. In the future, more resources will be invested to promote product development and market marketing.

Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang said that both tilapia and eel are important items in Taiwan's aquaculture industry and are very familiar national delicacies. TRA bento boxes are already bestsellers. He hopes that through TRA's strong distribution channels, Chiayi's tilapia and the eels from Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Pingtung will also become bestsellers.

Cheng Kuang-yuan said that during the promotion period for the "Tilapia-Eel Bento Box" event, nearly 1000 kilograms of eel were used. The bento box is positioned for two people to enjoy, with an estimated sale of 14,000 units. In the future, there is a chance it could become a regular bento item, especially during the eel peak season. Incorporating relevant ingredients into the TRA bento system and collaborating with agricultural and fishery operators from various regions to transform locally characteristic ingredients into TRA branded products are also hopes.

Director-General of the Fisheries Agency Wang Mao-cheng specifically introduced the discount code printed on the bottom left of the "Tilapia-Eel Bento Box" packaging. Consumers can cut it out or take a photo with their mobile phone. From now until September 15th, by visiting the Fisheries Agency's "Buy Fish" official website and entering the discount code when purchasing related products, customers can receive a NT$100 discount for purchases over NT$1000. Additionally, during the event period, by taking a photo with the transparent card attached to the co-branded bento box, participants can enter a lucky draw for a chance to win five-star hotel dining vouchers. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150707

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