(1) Health-Conscious Diet Drives Consumption Upgrade
With the improvement of living standards and the increasing awareness of health, consumers’ attention to functional foods is growing. Mushrooms, with their rich nutritional content and health benefits, have become an important ingredient in the field of healthy foods. For example, the application of medicinal mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) and Cordyceps militaris (Cordyceps flower) in the health product market has been expanding year by year. Reishi contains a variety of bioactive components, such as Reishi polysaccharides and Reishi triterpenes, which have multiple functions, including enhancing immunity, regulating blood lipids, and combating fatigue. Cordyceps flower, due to its medicinal value similar to that of Cordyceps sinensis (Caterpillar fungus), has attracted much attention. It is rich in protein, polysaccharides, amino acids, and other components, which can nourish yin and kidney, and moisten the lungs to relieve cough.
In addition to medicinal mushrooms, other edible mushrooms are also favored by consumers for their health attributes. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in lentinan, which has anti-tumor and antioxidant effects; Enoki mushrooms contain abundant dietary fiber and various vitamins, which help promote intestinal motility and enhance immunity; Pleurotus eryngii (King oyster mushroom) is rich in protein and amino acids, and is a healthy ingredient with low fat and high protein. These mushroom products can not only be consumed directly but also processed into various health products, such as Reishi spore powder and Cordyceps flower capsules, to meet consumers’ demand for healthy foods.
(2) Growth Driven by the Catering and Pre-cooked Meal Markets
The demand for mushrooms in the catering industry continues to rise, especially in the fields of hot pot, vegetarian cuisine, and high-end dining. As a widely popular dining method, hot pot considers mushrooms as one of the indispensable ingredients. Shiitake, Enoki, and King oyster mushrooms are not only delicious in hot pot but also absorb the essence of the soup, providing consumers with a rich taste experience. With the rise of vegetarian culture, more and more vegetarian restaurants are using mushrooms as the main ingredient to develop a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. For example, dishes like Shiitake and Asparagus stir-fry and King oyster mushroom steak are not only nutritious but also have unique textures, and are loved by vegetarian consumers.
The high-end catering sector also has a high demand for mushroom products. Some rare mushroom varieties, such as Matsutake, morel, and black truffle, have become the signature ingredients of high-end dining due to their unique flavors and high prices. These mushrooms not only enhance the class of the dishes but also provide consumers with a unique taste experience. For example, dishes like Matsutake sashimi and morel stewed chicken, with their delicious taste and rich nutrition, have become popular choices in the high-end catering market.
In addition to the catering industry, the outbreak of the pre-cooked meal industry has also brought new opportunities for the deep processing of mushrooms. With the acceleration of people’s life pace, the pre-cooked meal market has risen rapidly. Mushrooms, as a high-quality ingredient, are widely used in the production of pre-cooked meals. For example, products like mushroom sauce and instant mushroom soup are not only convenient and quick but also retain the nutritional content and unique flavor of mushrooms. These pre-cooked meal products have been widely welcomed by consumers in the market, further promoting the development of the mushroom industry.
(3) Huge Potential in Export Trade
China, as the world’s largest producer of mushrooms, also ranks first in the world in terms of export volume. Chinese mushroom products are mainly sold to Southeast Asia, Europe and America, Japan, South Korea, and other markets, and are widely recognized by international consumers. With the deepening of trade agreements such as RCEP, the market expansion space for Chinese mushrooms in overseas markets has been further expanded. The implementation of RCEP has reduced trade barriers and promoted trade liberalization within the region, bringing more opportunities for Chinese mushroom export enterprises.
In terms of export products, China’s mushroom products are diverse, including dried mushrooms, canned mushrooms, frozen mushrooms, etc. Dried mushrooms, due to their convenience in storage and transportation, have become one of the main forms of export. For example, products like dried shiitake and dried Enoki mushrooms have a high demand in the international market. Canned mushrooms, with their longer shelf life and good taste, are also popular with consumers. In addition, as international consumers’ attention to healthy foods continues to increase, some deep-processed mushroom products, such as mushroom extracts and mushroom health products, have gradually become popular export items.
To further enhance the competitiveness of Chinese mushrooms in the international market, enterprises need to strengthen brand building and quality control. By creating internationally influential brands, the added value and market recognition of products can be improved. At the same time, strict quality control is the key to ensuring that products meet international standards. Enterprises need to establish a sound quality management system, strictly control every link from mushroom cultivation, processing to packaging and transportation, and ensure the quality and safety of products. Only in this way can they gain an advantage in the fierce international market competition and further expand the potential of export trade.
(1) Popularization of Factory Cultivation Technology
With the continuous progress of science and technology, mushroom cultivation technology is also undergoing profound changes. Traditional peasant farming models are gradually being replaced by modern cultivation methods such as intelligent greenhouses, three-dimensional cultivation, and liquid spawn technology. The application of these new technologies has not only greatly increased the yield of mushrooms but also improved the stability of product quality.
Intelligent greenhouses are one of the important development directions of modern mushroom cultivation. By using advanced environmental control systems, intelligent greenhouses can precisely regulate environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and light, providing the most suitable conditions for mushroom growth. For example, in the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, intelligent greenhouses can automatically adjust the temperature and humidity according to the needs of different growth stages of shiitake, shorten the growth cycle, and increase yield. At the same time, intelligent greenhouses can also achieve year-round uninterrupted production,不受季节限制，从而进一步提高生产效率。
Three-dimensional cultivation technology, on the other hand, maximizes the use of space to increase yield per unit area. Under limited land resources, three-dimensional cultivation can achieve multi-layer planting, significantly increasing the planting area. For example, the three-dimensional cultivation model of Enoki mushrooms involves setting up multi-layer racks and planting Enoki mushrooms in culture dishes on the racks, which not only increases yield but also saves land resources. Additionally, three-dimensional cultivation facilitates management and harvesting, reducing labor costs.
Liquid spawn technology is an important technological innovation in the field of mushroom cultivation in recent years. Compared with traditional solid spawn, liquid spawn has the advantages of rapid propagation, high purity, and convenient inoculation. Liquid spawn can reproduce in large quantities in a short time, significantly shortening the production cycle of mushrooms. At the same time, the high purity of liquid spawn can effectively prevent contamination by miscellaneous bacteria, improving the quality of mushrooms. Some leading enterprises have already adopted liquid spawn technology to achieve large-scale production of mushrooms, with a yield increase of over 40%, bringing significant economic benefits to the enterprises.
(2) Breakthroughs in Deep Processing Technology
Breakthroughs in the deep processing technology of mushrooms have provided strong support for the upgrading of the industry. With the increasing demand for healthy and functional foods from consumers, mushroom extracts (such as β-glucan and mushroom protein) are increasingly widely used in the fields of medicine and cosmetics. β-glucan is a polysaccharide with multiple biological activities, including immune regulation, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects, and is widely used in the fields of medicine and health products. For example, Reishi polysaccharides in Reishi spore powder have the functions of enhancing immunity and regulating blood lipids, and are made into various health products sold on the market. Mushroom protein, on the other hand, is a high-quality plant protein with the characteristics of high protein, low fat, and low cholesterol, and is gradually becoming a new favorite in the food industry.
In addition to the application of extracts, freeze-drying technology and ultrafine grinding processes also play important roles in the deep processing of mushrooms. Freeze-drying technology can quickly dehydrate at low temperatures, maximizing the retention of the nutritional content and flavor of mushrooms. For example, products like freeze-dried shiitake and freeze-dried Enoki mushrooms are not only convenient for storage and transportation but can also retain the original taste and flavor of mushrooms after rehydration. Ultrafine grinding technology can process mushrooms into micrometer-level powders, improving the solubility and bioavailability of mushrooms. For example, ultrafine ground King oyster mushroom powder can be used in food processing, such as baking and beverages, to add nutrition and flavor to products.
(3) Sustainable Development Gains Attention
Under the global backdrop of sustainable development, the low-carbon and environmentally friendly characteristics of mushroom production have attracted increasing attention. In the process of mushroom production, the use of agricultural waste (such as straw and sawdust) as a substrate not only effectively solves the problem of agricultural waste disposal but also achieves the recycling of resources. For example, using crushed straw as asubstrate to cultivate mushrooms like shiitake and oyster mushrooms not only reduces production costs but also minimizes environmental pollution from straw burning. Moreover, the waste residue generated during mushroom production can be used as organic fertilizer for agricultural production, further realizing the recycling of resources.
Sustainable development is also reflected in the eco-friendliness of the mushroom industry. Mushroom cultivation does not require large amounts of land and water resources and has minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the growth process of mushrooms does not necessitate the use of large quantities of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making it a green and environmentally friendly agricultural production method. As consumer awareness of eco-friendly products continues to rise, the sustainable mushroom industry will hold greater market potential. Companies need to focus on environmental protection in their production processes and actively adopt sustainable production methods to enhance the green competitiveness of their products.
(1) Highlights of the Expo
To help companies seize market opportunities, the 2025 International Edible Mushroom Industry Expo will be held at the Xiamen BAI Xiang Convention Center from April 14 to 16. This grand event focuses on innovation across the entire industry chain, covering core sectors such as cultivation technology, production equipment, processing techniques, brand marketing, and international trade. It provides a comprehensive platform for business cooperation and exchange.
The expo gathers numerous leading domestic and international suppliers of mushroom strains, equipment manufacturers, and deep-processing enterprises, showcasing the latest technologies and products in the industry. The participation of global leading companies not only offers a wealth of industry resources for attendees but also promotes international exchanges and cooperation. For instance, some internationally renowned strain suppliers will display their advanced strain breeding technologies, providing technical support and cooperation opportunities for domestic companies. Meanwhile, domestic equipment manufacturers can showcase their advanced production equipment to international peers, expanding their presence in the global market.
The cultivation technology of rare mushroom varieties is a major highlight of the expo. Industrial solutions for high-end varieties such as Matsutake and morel will be showcased. These rare mushrooms, with their high added value and rapidly growing market demand, have become a focal point in the industry. Through the expo, companies can learn about the latest cultivation technologies for rare mushrooms, obtain key information for industrial development, and promote large-scale production of these valuable varieties.
Professional forums and business-matching sessions are essential components of the expo. Industry experts will interpret policies, market trends, and international trade opportunities at the forums, providing authoritative market analysis and policy guidance for companies. Meanwhile, the B2B business-matching segment will accurately connect buyers and suppliers to facilitate commercial cooperation. Face-to-face interactions with potential clients enable companies to better understand market demands, expand their sales channels, and maximize their commercial value.
(2) Scope of Exhibits
The expo features a wide range of exhibits covering every link of the mushroom industry. In terms of mushroom strains and cultivation technology, exhibits such as liquid spawn and intelligent cultivation systems will showcase the latest achievements in mushroom cultivation. These technologies and equipment can help companies improve production efficiency, enhance product quality, and achieve intelligent and large-scale cultivation.
Production and processing equipment is also a key display area at the expo. Exhibits like sterilization equipment, packaging machinery, and freeze-drying production lines will demonstrate advanced processing techniques for mushrooms. By adopting advanced production equipment, companies can increase production efficiency, reduce production costs, and enhance the added value of their products. For example, freeze-drying production lines can process mushrooms into freeze-dried products, extending their shelf life while retaining the nutritional content and flavor of the mushrooms.
Deep-processed products are another major highlight of the expo. Exhibits such as mushroom extracts, ready-to-eat foods, and health products will showcase the broad prospects of mushroom deep processing. These deep-processed products not only meet consumers’ demand for healthy and functional foods but also bring higher economic benefits to companies. For instance, the application of mushroom extracts in the fields of medicine and cosmetics has opened up new market areas for companies.
Brand and channel building are also important aspects of the expo. Exhibits such as e-commerce operations and export trade services will provide companies with solutions for brand promotion and market expansion. By collaborating with professional e-commerce operators, companies can better leverage the advantages of internet platforms to expand their sales channels and enhance brand visibility. Meanwhile, export trade services will help companies understand the demands and policies of international markets, expand their overseas presence, and boost their international competitiveness.
(1) Increasing Demand for High-Value Mushroom Varieties
With the growing consumer demand for healthy foods and high-end ingredients, high-value mushroom varieties will become a hot investment area in the future mushroom industry. Truffles and black truffles, among other rare varieties, will see continued market growth due to their unique flavors and high prices. These rare mushrooms are not only highly valuable in the culinary field but also show broad application prospects in the fields of health products and cosmetics.
For example, truffles, known as the "diamonds of the dining table," are highly valued in the high-end catering market for their unique aroma and high price. They contain a wealth of nutrients and bioactive substances, with antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties, and are also used in the development of health products and cosmetics. Black truffles are loved by consumers for their thick flesh and delicious taste, and their market prices remain high. As cultivation techniques for rare mushrooms continue to improve, industrial production will become possible, further driving the development of the high-value mushroom market.
(2) Intensified Brand Competition
In the context of increasingly fierce market competition, branding will become an important trend in the mushroom industry. Companies need to strengthen product differentiation and channel building to enhance brand visibility and reputation. By creating distinctive product brands, companies can stand out in the market and win the trust and recognition of consumers.
Brand competition is not only reflected in product quality and uniqueness but also in brand promotion and channel building. Companies need to promote their brands through various channels, such as advertising, participating in expos, and holding brand events, to enhance brand visibility. At the same time, companies also need to strengthen channel building, expand sales channels, and increase market coverage. For example, by collaborating with e-commerce platforms, companies can better leverage the advantages of internet platforms to expand their sales channels and enhance brand influence.
(3) Cross-Border E-commerce Boosts Exports
With the continuous development of internet technology, cross-border e-commerce has provided new opportunities for the export of mushrooms. By leveraging digital platforms, companies can better expand into overseas markets and enhance the international competitiveness of their products. Cross-border e-commerce platforms not only offer a broader market space for companies but also reduce export costs and improve export efficiency.
Companies can use cross-border e-commerce platforms to directly sell mushroom products to international markets, reducing intermediary links and lowering sales costs. At the same time, these platforms also provide services such as market analysis and customer management, helping companies better understand international market demands and consumer preferences, and adjust their product and marketing strategies accordingly. Additionally, cross-border e-commerce can promote the international development of companies and enhance their international brand image.
