Harrison Feng is the Director at Shandong Imperial Garden Biotechnology, a large producer of shiitake logs from China. The company has a strong and growing export division. Covid-19 hampered exports for a few years, but recently the market has stabilized and activities are returning to pre-Covid levels.
Harrison explains: “Export shipment price increases trebled, or even quadrupled, up to a factor of four to five, during Covid. This was a huge problem for all Chinese companies. Now, the situation has been normalized, and prices are again at the levels before COVID.”
He continues: “Shiitake Logs in China are likely to be cheaper because of labour costs and economic scale. Their availability is growing in Europe, which is giving local European shiitake growers more options and opportunities. Chinese producers of shiitake logs have invested in, and developed, a vast infrastructure to harvest and transport Shiitake logs. We can produce, ship, and export to global destinations at any time.”
However, local, European shiitake log producers might have an advantage in terms of sustainability and transportation; a shorter supply chain might appeal to certain consumers.
That said, quality-wise, Chinese shiitake logs are highly appreciated because of their quality and high production capacity.
Harrison says: “Another shift we notice in the European and North-American market is the growing popularity of Shiitake mushrooms used for home cooking and in restaurants. One acre is all it takes to launch a single enterprise. Yet fresh and organic Shiitake mushrooms at supermarkets are sold at high prices, so the market potential is there.”
In-house shiitake farm design and development
The company has an in-house team that can develop plans and provide advice about land, facilities, and other decisions with are which are necessary for starting a shiitake business. Fresh shiitakes can be harvested within 15 days if everything is in place.
“We are so excited about the market potential for shiitake and other exotic fresh mushrooms in Europe and North America”, says Harrison. “Currently, the biggest market segment is the white button mushroom. The few exotic mushrooms that are available on the market are the shiitake mushroom, as well as a few other varieties, including oyster mushrooms, Erygnii, Lion mane and Nameko. Growing the exotic mushroom market would provide a lot of healthier, vegetarian-friendly options and flavours for consumers.”
“Another driver for growth and consumption is the fact that producers and suppliers are investing in new technologies and distribution networks, making it easier for consumers to get to the large diversity of exotic mushrooms available across Europe. We are confident that the overall market is going to keep growing over the next five or 5-10 years.
For more information:
Harrison Feng, Director of Sales
Shandong Imperial Garden Biotech
Tel:+86 15221568065
[email protected]
www.igshiitake.com
www.globalshiitake.com (to be launched soon)