TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Bali farmer claimed two top prizes at New Taipei City's annual pomelo competition on Wednesday (Sept. 9). Lee Chun-yi (李春益) took home both the "Happiness Fruit Delicacies" championship and the coveted "Sweet Pomelo King" title. His fruit registered a sweetness level of 13 degrees as the district positions its premium citrus for the Mid-Autumn Festival gift market.
The 35th Bali Pomelo Evaluation (第35屆文旦柚評鑑) and the 10th Happiness Fruit Delicacies Evaluation (第10屆幸福果饌評鑑) were held at the Bali District Farmers' Association Activity Center (八里區農會農民活動中心). Chang Yung-huang (張永煌), a farmer with more than 20 years of experience, won the main championship.
Professional judges evaluated entries across seven categories: packaging, fruit size, appearance, seed count, sweetness, flesh quality and flavor. The "Happiness Fruit Delicacies" category applies stricter standards, requiring higher specifications for size, appearance and quality.
Shih A-kuei (施阿貴), chairman of the Bali District Farmers' Association (八里區農會), said this year's premium evaluation featured pomelos selected from the "tip fruit" (枝尾粒), fruit grown at the outermost ends of branches, with thinner peels, firmer flesh and higher sweetness due to greater sun exposure.
"On Sept. 12-13, we'll also hold a large exhibition and sales event at the Left Bank Environmental Education Plaza," Lin said.
"What it takes is cultivating with heart and irrigating with sweat," Lee added, crediting his success to meticulous care. He noted particular attention to fertilization and tree management this year. Chang, the main evaluation winner, cited favorable weather and thanked the farmers' association for its guidance.
The exhibition will be held at the plaza in front of the New Taipei City Environmental Education Sustainable Development Center (新北市環境教育永續發展中心) on the Bali Left Bank. The event will feature 40 vendor booths offering award-winning pomelos alongside local products including honey, sweet potatoes, bamboo shoots and tea.
Organizers will offer a limited promotion allowing visitors to exchange NT$100 (around US$3.16) for NT$200 (around US$6.31) in vouchers, with games including pomelo fishing and stacking challenges.
The New Taipei City Agriculture Department (新北市農業局) said it continues to support local farmers in building brands and expanding e-commerce channels. Bali pomelos are available through the "Small Farmer E-Shop Direct Sales Station" (小農電舖直銷站) or at Bali District Farmers' Association outlets. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.69)