Issuing Unit: Department of Agriculture
Yunlin County is Taiwan’s most important eel farming hub, accounting for over 60% of the nation’s annual production. With advanced aquaculture techniques and a complete industry chain, Yunlin has firmly established its reputation as the “Home of Eels.” Today (27), the Yunlin County Government joined local eel farming associations at Big City Mall in Hsinchu to host the “Yunlin Eel on Stage” marketing event, bringing high-quality Yunlin eels to northern Taiwan’s core consumer market. The event featured live cooking demonstrations by Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya and renowned chef Lu Chun-bin, who creatively combined eel with Hsinchu specialties such as rice crackers and meatballs to present two innovative dishes: “Tomato Salsa Grilled Eel Rice Cracker” and “Grilled Eel and Truffle Meatball Risotto.” Limited free tastings were offered to allow visitors to experience the delicate flavor and premium quality of Taiwanese eels firsthand.
Deputy Magistrate Hsieh emphasized that eel is rich in high-quality protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and B, making it a nutritious ingredient suitable for all ages and seasons. It is also one of Yunlin’s most iconic aquatic products. She thanked the Fisheries Agency for its support and noted that the county has long worked with national policies to promote domestic eel consumption and brand development through diverse culinary innovations, fish-eating education, and cross-channel collaborations. Hosting this event at Big City Mall aims to leverage the high foot traffic of northern Taiwan’s largest shopping center to boost market visibility for Yunlin eels and strengthen industry growth.
The Fisheries Agency stated that domestic eel farming strictly follows regulations and scientific management practices, implementing water quality control, medication standards, and product traceability to ensure food safety and quality. Through central-local cooperation, efforts continue to improve farming techniques, strengthen traceability systems, and expand marketing channels, making premium Taiwanese eels more accessible to consumers. Future initiatives will further support promotional activities to stabilize supply-demand balance, secure farmers’ income, and advance the sustainable development of Taiwan’s eel industry.
Agriculture Department Director Wei Sheng-de added that Kouhu Township in Yunlin is Taiwan’s leading eel production area, consistently ranking first nationwide. Recent stable eel fry catches have ensured sufficient supply, and current prices are more affordable than in previous years—making now the best time for consumers to enjoy high-quality Taiwanese eel. To further stabilize production and enhance competitiveness, the department will continue integrating food education, seasonal marketing, and cross-sector partnerships to promote domestic eel consumption, ensuring that Taiwanese consumers can enjoy safe, transparent, and premium eel products at reasonable prices.
From December 27 to 28, the event will feature a Yunlin Premium Goods × Big City Mall Pop-up Market at the 1F Fountain Plaza, offering limited-time eel tastings and showcasing Yunlin’s finest products, including premium pork from Yunlin Meat Market, festive dishes, Gukeng Farmers’ Association coffee, local snacks, eggs and gift sets from Minzhi Livestock Farm, grilled eel products from the Second Eel & Shrimp Cooperative, rice-based gifts from Xiluo Farmers’ Association, and specialty sauces from the Photosynthetic Bacteria Education Association. Visitors from Hsinchu and beyond are invited to shop for the best Yunlin goods.
Eel Procurement Contact:
• Yunlin County Second Eel & Shrimp Cooperative: 05-789-2165
• Chairman Lin Yu-da: 0916-875-588
For more premium holiday selections, visit the Yunlin Goods e-commerce platform: https://www.yunlingoods.com.tw/
2025 Small Village Eel Steps e-book: https://reurl.cc/9bWaGX
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promote green economy and ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.