The Taiwan food industry production output in 2009 was expected to total USD 15.7 billion, down by 6.2% against that of 2008 (Table 1). The rising prices of international raw materials last year led to a growth rate of 15.5%, the highest in the past 6 years and resulting in a production output of USD 16.7 billion. However, the change in the value of the NT dollar, the decline in international raw material prices, and the reduction in consumer spending lead to a decline in 2009.
The leading 6 subsectors of the Taiwa food industry (representing 60% of total output) were prepared....