Market Trends of Shiitake Mushroom Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Shiitake 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 artificial and synthetic food products, which has resulted in increased incidence of lifestyle diseases.
Thus, people are becoming aware of these problems and, as a result, gradually moving toward functional foods and beverages, which are promoted as being beneficial beyond basic nutrition; these products are purported to provide optimal nutrition and reduce the risk of disease occurrence.
Increasing consumer's disposable income motivating them to spend more on healthy food products is further expected to complement the shiitake market growth over the forecast period.
Functional foods are gaining high-popularity among the health consciousconsumers. During the forecasted period, the demand for medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake is expected to increase significantly, and they're being were incorporated in various functional food and beverages. For instance, maiitake and shiitake are delicious simply sautéed with garlic
Increasing Manufacturing and Consumption of Shiitake Mushroom in the Asian Region
China is the largest producer of mushrooms, globally. The country engages in the production of mushroom and truffles to meet the large external and internal market demands. It was estimated that more than 25 million farmers in China are currently engaged in the collection, cultivation processing and marketing of mushrooms
In China, functional mushrooms are also used to mimic meat textures, for instance, shiitake mushroom are used to make vegetarian floss, jerky, brisket etc. The demand for processed mushroom foods continuing to grow as consumers are exploring new taste characteristics, nutrition and benefits. Owing to this factor players are introducing more products into the market. Hence, driving the shiitake mushroom market in the overall Asian region.
Mushrooms, including, shiitake, golden, oyster, and white button mushrooms, as well as dried and canned mushrooms, are largely consumed among consumers in Singapore. Moreover, consumers across countries, such as, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, have started paying closer attention to the quality, ingredients, and safety of the foods they consume, due to recent healthier lifestyle trends and product safety concerns, thus, fueling the shiitake mushroom market further in the region.
