Pingtung Cocoa Manor Carnival Makes a Splendid Debut in October

Pingtung has three black crops: coffee, cocoa and black beans. Pingtung's hot climate is just right for the cocoa tree, a tropical fruit tree. Pingtung currently grows cocoa on 300 hectares, the largest planting area in the country. With government guidance, some farmers not only sell the pods but continue with fermentation and other processes to make cocoa bricks or chocolate, and one cocoa manor after another has taken shape. The Neipu Township Farmers' Association, together with 19 cocoa manors in Pingtung County, has launched the "Pingtung Cocoa Manor Carnival Month" from October 1 to October 31. Visitors only need to sign up for a designated session on the event webpage, then go to the cocoa manor on their registered date to check in, and participating visitors can take part in cocoa-related experience activities free of charge.

The Pingtung County Government says Pingtung's cocoa industry has been advancing toward a six-tier industry, and many cocoa manors have transformed into leisure farms offering visitors more diverse experiences and recreation services, so that visitors can not only see cocoa trees but also personally experience making chocolate and taste happiness. During this Cocoa Manor Carnival Month, visitors can see each different cocoa manor and experience the different surprises and fun each manor owner brings.

Chung Chih-hsi, director-general of the Neipu Township Farmers' Association, said Pingtung's cocoa production areas are mostly in Hakka townships, and many of the cocoa manors taking part in this event are frequent winners in international competitions. He believes that visitors who come to these manors to experience Pingtung cocoa will have an unforgettable experience, and everyone is welcome to join the Pingtung Cocoa Manor Carnival in October.