FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOM MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Market Restraints

The high cost of the functional mushroom is expected to limit its adoption among consumers

The high cost of the functional mushroom is expected to limit its adoption among consumers. This is expected to hinder market growth. Reishi mushroom and dried Cordyceps mushroom prices in the Asian market are about USD 51.65 and USD 2,152.41, respectively. Additionally, wild Cordyceps sinensis costs over USD 20,000 per kilogram, which makes it the most expensive mushroom in the world. They are almost exclusively sold in Asia and rarely make it into the North American market.

Market Drivers

Growing demand for functional food &beverage

Growing consumption of functional foods and dietary supplements is fueling growth of the functional mushroom market. Consumers 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. Factors such as the medicinal benefits of functional mushrooms are again propelling market growth. All functional mushrooms work to balance energy levels, strengthen immune function, smooth digestion, and enhance the skin's natural glow. However, the presence of substances like antioxidants also helps to boost blood flow, reduce stress, strengthen immunity, and offer many other benefits that drive the functional mushroom market globally.

Rising awareness regarding medicinal benefit of functional mushroom

With expanding consumer awareness of general health, a high-protein diet has grown increasingly popular in recent years. Increased consumption of packaged food products as a result of hurried lifestyles is expected to further aid industry expansion. To appeal to a health-conscious customer base, packaged food makers are improving food products with nutritive additives such as functional mushroom extracts or powders. The current livestock protein production has a negative influence on our planet's life-support systems. To meet protein demands, livestock production is increasing, resulting in a considerable increase in GHG emissions and raising concerns about sustainability.