The first batch of pineapples that arrived on the doorsteps of Australia’s Taiwanese consumers were met with childish glee and excitement.
“It smells so nice,” said a community member, “Taiwan’s air is trapped inside,” said another as they were recorded on video cutting open a box of air-freighted pineapples and trimming off its skin, careful not to waste much flesh.
It was the first time many nostalgic groups had eaten Taiwanese pineapples in Australia.
“The pineapples in Australia are very sour. They’re unlike the pineapples I grew up eating,” said Jeffery Wang, who immigrated to Australia from Taiwan 20 years ago.
Social media was used to promote a pre-order boom of more than 200 boxes of pineapples to Australia and was made following China’s ban of the Taiwanese fruit in February, citing biosecurity concerns.
Some members of Australia's Taiwanese community have received their 'freedom' pineapples. Source: Kate Chen
The move infuriated Taipei, who said the ban had nothing to do with the “harmful creatures” that could attack crops, but instead an example of the mainland ramping up political pressure on the island, which Beijing considers part of China.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, under pressure to find new markets for the pineapples, put out a rallying cry on Twitter urging citizens and international allies to eat “freedom pineapples” in support of the island’s democracy.
Homesick members of Sydney’s Taiwanese community, who have been unable to fly back home due to the pandemic, were among those prepared to pay five times the market price for the imported fruit.
“They were flown into the country, so if you take that into consideration, it’s not that expensive,” said Aileen Yen, surgeon and vice president of the Taiwanese Association.
Taiwanese community members paid $140 per box of seven, neatly packaged, decrowned pineapples.
Tsai Ing-wen promoting Taiwanese pineapples Source: Facebook/ 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen
"It’s pricey, but it’s worth it,” Dr Yen added when factoring in the cost of airfares to Taiwan and quarantine stays at both ends of the trip.
The Chinese market accounted for more than 90 per cent of Taiwan’s pineapple exports prior to the ban.
Taiwanese diaspora groups in Australia feel they’ve had a hand in supporting Taiwan’s farmers, victims of the so-called ‘pineapple war’.
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吃的是乡愁 悉尼社区支持高价台湾凤梨
Director of the Taiwanese Association Kate Chen, who helped oversee the process of the first batch arrive in Australia, is now hoping more Taiwanese fruits become available in the local market.
As for the taste, “Everyone likes it. My good friend’s husband is from Shanghai. He ate it and said that if the pineapple sells for $10-$12, he’d be willing to buy it. I believe there’ll always be a market for good produce.”
Dr Chen said she hoped Australians could understand the plight of Taiwanese farmers given Australia’s wine industry had also been hit hard with high tariffs following fast deteriorating relations between Canberra and Beijing.
She said when Australian wine exports were slapped punitive tariffs last year, the Taiwanese community supported the critical industry with marketing events and purchases. 
Taiwanese locals said the Chinese government’s restrictions have to some extent promoted the two places’ agricultural products and formed stronger relations between Taiwan and Australia.
A farmer harvesting pineapples in Pingtung county. Source: Getty
“The pineapple’s taste is really unique,” Mr Wang said, “But the price will have to come down for them to be competitive in the market.”
Sammi, a teacher who moved to Australia when she was eight-years-old, waited for the second batch to arrive before receiving her pre-order.
“I don’t usually eat pineapples, but my Taiwanese friends told me that Taiwan is a fruit kingdom. Their pineapples aren’t acidic. So, I thought it was worth giving it a try,” she said.
