The 2026 FUN FOOD TAIWAN Awards Ceremony, organized by the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (IDA) and implemented by the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI), took place on June 24 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2. This year's competition drew 107 companies with 235 entries across bakery, prepared foods and specialty food categories. Following a rigorous review by experts from industry, academia and the marketplace, 89 products were recognized, including 17 recipients of the program's highest honor, the FUN FOOD TAIWAN Award. Together, these award-winning products reflect the Taiwan food industry's continued commitment to product innovation, sustainability and enhanced consumer experiences.

As food manufacturers respond to shifting global supply chains, the transition toward net-zero emissions and rapidly changing consumer preferences, companies are placing greater emphasis on innovation to remain competitive. To help companies adapt, the IDA launched FUN FOOD TAIWAN, encouraging companies to innovate, embrace sustainable practices and build brands that stand out in international markets.

Since its launch in 2020, FUN FOOD TAIWAN has continued to identify and promote products with strong market potential while encouraging the industry to move toward higher-value and more differentiated development. During its first phase (2020-2024), the initiative focused on three themes - Clean Label & High Value, Design & Experience, and Convenience & Sustainability - and attracted 1,049 entries, with 384 products receiving awards.

In 2025, the program entered a new stage with the launch of FUN FOOD TAIWAN 2.0, shifting its focus to Product Evolution, Carbon Reduction, and Enhanced Consumer Experience. The updated framework encourages companies to respond to evolving market trends by advancing product innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and consumer-centered design.

This year's award-winning products clearly reflect the three core values of FUN FOOD TAIWAN 2.0. In the bakery category, Joy Joy Golden's Gold Award-winning "Assorted Rice Cracker Gift Tin" reimagines Taiwan's rice culture through contemporary design, creating a distinctive consumer experience. Lady Dou's Gold Award-winning "Roasted Protein Lump - Soy Sauce" demonstrates how innovative, protein-rich products are meeting growing consumer demand for healthier diets while reflecting the industry's continued strength in research and development (R&D). Meanwhile, Sooko's Gold Award-winning "Sooko Peeled Citrus Crisps (100% Real Fruit)" combines energy-efficient drying technology with thoughtful brand design, demonstrating how product innovation, sustainable technology, and brand building can work together to create greater market value.

Over the past several years, FUN FOOD TAIWAN has evolved into an important platform for helping Taiwan's food industry upgrade its capabilities and expand internationally. By supporting award-winning and participating companies at major international exhibitions, including FOODEX JAPAN and Anuga, the program has helped businesses strengthen brand visibility, expand their international distribution channels, and expand into markets across Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, and Australia. Some participating companies have also reported domestic sales growth of 10 to 20 percent, demonstrating the program's tangible impact on both industrial competitiveness and international market expansion.

Looking ahead, the IDA will continue to build on the success of FUN FOOD TAIWAN by strengthening connections across the food industry, distribution channels and international markets. Through this initiative, the IDA will support companies in creating higher-value products, building stronger brands and expanding their global reach, further strengthening the global competitiveness of Taiwan's food industry.