Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Functional Mushroom Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the APAC Functional Mushroom Market according to our research experts:
Surge In Demand for Functional Food and Dietary Supplements
There has been a considerable shift in the lifestyles and diet habits of people over the past two decades. Urbanization and consumerism drove this shift, leading to a rapid rise in the consumption of synthetic food products, resulting in an increased incidence of lifestyle diseases. Thus, people are becoming aware of these problems. As a result, people are gradually moving toward functional foods and beverages that are promoted as being beneficial beyond basic nutrition. These products are purported to provide optimal nutrition and reduce the risk of disease occurrence.Functional foods are gaining high popularity among health-conscious consumers. During the forecasted period, the demand for medicinal mushrooms is expected to increase significantly, as these mushrooms are being incorporated in various functional food and beverages. For instance, Reishi, Chaga, and Turkey tails are added with coffee and cocoa. Turkey tails are also mild enough to be added to soups and broths. Maitake and Shiitake are delicious, sautéed with garlic. Furthermore, the companies are incorporating functional mushrooms in their product offerings.
India is the Fastest Growing Functional Mushroom Market in the Region
With increasing health awareness, improvisation in the cultivation and extraction techniques of medicinal mushrooms, and increasing demand for exotic mushroom varieties, the market for functional mushrooms in India is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. Varied agroclimatic conditions, availability of agricultural and industrial wastes, relatively low-cost labor, and a rich fungal biodiversity in India offer great opportunities for cultivating specialty mushrooms commercially. Grey oyster, black oyster, white oyster, pink oyster, king oyster, black ear mushrooms, shimeji mushroom, shiitake mushroom, etc., are the major types of functional mushrooms grown in India. Mushroom cultivation in India is likely to help eliminate protein malnutrition among people primarily dependent on cereals and offer remunerative employment opportunities in the future. The country is expected to focus on the promotion of medicinal mushrooms, like G. lucidum and Grifola frondosa (Maitake), considering their increasing importance in the national and international markets.
