Qixi Festival campaign lets shoppers in Taiwan write notes on bananas

七夕情人節讓台灣購物者在香蕉上傳情

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Send a sweet message this Qixi Festival with a locally grown Taiwanese banana, as the Agriculture and Food Agency has launched a campaign promoting domestic bananas ahead of the holiday.

Starting Tuesday, bananas are available at more than 7,100 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Shoppers can write personalized notes directly on the peels to share greetings or expressions of affection.

Qixi Festival, also known as Lunar Valentine’s Day, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month — Aug. 29 this year. Inspired by the legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl, the holiday celebrates love and longing.

July through September is the peak harvest season for Taiwanese bananas, known for their rich aroma, soft texture, and high quality. This year’s production is projected at about 338 million kilograms.

Last year’s typhoons and cold spells in January and February reduced yields in the first half of the year, while additional storms and heavy rains in July hurt the proportion of higher-grade bananas. Despite setbacks, farmers and industry groups have worked to restore production.

Agriculture and Food Agency Deputy Director Chen Chi-jung (陳啓榮) said the agency is supporting sales with targeted promotions. The collaboration between 7-Eleven and the banana industry aims to creatively highlight Taiwan’s bananas during the Qixi Festival.