Coriander-scented pens sell out at Creative Expo Taiwan

香菜香味筆在台灣文博會賣到缺貨

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Coriander-scented pens proved to be one of the most popular items at the recently concluded Creative Expo Taiwan, with the novelty stationery product selling out at the exhibition.

Simbalion said coriander, followed by basil, was the most popular scent from a series of pens inspired by familiar Taiwanese flavors and aromas, including sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper, as well as popular drinks such as passion fruit iced tea, milk tea, and black tea, per UDN.

During the expo, Simbalion posed a question at its booth: “Do Taiwanese people really like cilantro that much?” While there may be no definitive answer, sales of the different scented pens made one thing clear: coriander was the top seller.

In recent years, Simbalion has developed a product series called "Stationery You Can't Buy in Stores," aimed at moving beyond the traditional stationery market's emphasis on function, color, and writing performance. The company said it wants to reinvent familiar everyday items, beginning with pens featuring distinctive Taiwanese-inspired scents, per a company press release.

Simbalion hopes scents can become an integral part of the products, allowing the pens to be collected and shared, it said. News of the scented pens quickly spread on social media, sparking curiosity and driving a surge in inquiries.

The scented pen series is now available for preorder through Simbalion's official online store. Starting in September, the products will also be offered at Simbalion's Imagination Factory in Longtan, Taoyuan.