Research Reports
In-depth Survey Report on Forest Products Market in China: Shiitake Mushroom, Chestnut, Persimmon and Bonsai
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AuthorMin, Kyungtaek
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Publication Date2014.10.30
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Original
Background of Research
China is geographically adjacent to our country and it is also a major producer and exporter of forest products. With the settlement of the FTA negotiations there is a high concern for imports of Chinese forest products. As a response, it is imperative for us to improve the competitiveness of the domestic forest products as well as to lead the growth of forestry. China's economic growth and popularity of the Korean Wave will be the opportunity for expanding exports of Korean agriculture and forestry products. The purpose of this study is to explore a way to expand exports by investigating market trends of Chinese forest product and Chinese consumer preferences. The subject items of this study are shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, astringent persimmons and bonsai.
Method of Research
The research method applied is literature reviews, Internet information review and local field trips for data collection. In order to investigate the forest products consumption preferences to Chinese consumers, a survey was conducted for Shanghai citizens. The survey list included consumption of forest products, purchase behavior, differences of forest products compared with Korea as well as the value of each property. Citizens beyond 18 years old are set to be the population and a total of 1,050 citizens were questioned.
Research Results and Implications
Shiitake production of China is growing at an annual average rate of 4% and reaches 6 million tons in 2012. The major production districts are Henan, Hubei, Liaoning, etc. Shiitakes is mainly consumed in China as the form of "stir-fry" and "soup." Distributions of shiitakes are mainly through large retail stores and traditional markets. Because of the low price in China, Korean Shiitakes has the disadvantage of price competition. The marketing strategies of Korean shiitakes should emphasize that it is produced from clean oak trees and has been used for exquisite cuisines. It is necessary to specify a shiitake export complex so that the sorting, packaging processes can be customized to Chinese market and then stable exports can be ensured.
Chestnut production of China is increasing annually and reaches 2 million tons per year. The chief production districts are Shandong, Henan, Hebei and so on. In China, chestnut is mainly consumed as the form of roasted chestnut and shelled chestnut. Since, China already has many companies with severe competition, it is unlikely for Korean chestnut to have a chance to enter the market. It is desirable to develop processed products which can protrude the characteristics of Korean chestnut or export as a raw material for confectionery. Therefore, the cooperation with confectionery companies and possession of a non-destructive sorting system for producing high quality chestnut are necessary.
Astringent persimmon production of China is on the rise and reaches up to 3.5 million tons per year. Guangxi, Henan, Hebei, etc. are the chief production areas. Astringent persimmon in China is consumed as forms of dried persimmon, half dried persimmon, persimmon vinegar, etc. Korean dried persimmon and half dried persimmon are tasty and can be ate lightly so that they are considered to have high export potential. However, since the Korean persimmons require chilled distribution, it is a big challenge to ensure the distribution channel. In addition, thorough sanitation and active marketing such as tasting events are necessary.
China had a long history of bonsai and there is increasing interest of consumers. The chief production districts are Guangdong, Sichuan, etc. The major barrier of exporting bonsai to China is to pass the quarantine. In response to this issue, it is necessary to specify export bonsai planting areas. In order to export to China, it is desirable to promote the excellence in Korean bonsai and construct export planting complex for effectively dealing with quarantine. Additionally, the development of Korean unique species as bonsai material and promotion of the garden culture exchanges are also needed.
Researchers: Kyung-Taek Min, Meiyan Piao, Myeong-Eun Kim and Ja-Choon Koo
Research period: 2014. 6. - 2014. 10.
E-mail address: minkt@krei.re.kr
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