The Fiji Mushroom Association is focused on increasing local mushroom production with the objective of diminishing Fiji's reliance on imported mushrooms within a five-year framework. Annually, Fiji's importation of mushrooms is valued at approximately $0.9 million, translating to around 124 metric tons, encompassing fresh, canned, or dried mushrooms.
Seruwaia Kabukabu, the President of the Fiji Mushroom Association, highlighted the nascent yet promising sector of mushroom cultivation in Fiji. Currently, the association's activities include the sale of fresh mushrooms alongside value-added products such as pickles, sauces, dried mushrooms, and mushroom powder. The association plans to launch its own brands and penetrate two market segments, aiming for placement on supermarket shelves.
Kabukabu remains positive about the sector's expansion, particularly in capturing the hotel market and investigating export possibilities. This is in line with their strategic objectives to augment hotel sales, boost exports, and curtail mushroom imports. Support from the National Engineering Research Center of Juncao Technology has been instrumental, with over 2,700 individuals receiving training.
Source: FBC News