U.S. Asian food brand Huayuan Food Group and Singapore Finc have jointly announced they will partner to build what they are calling the first U.S.-based edible fungus smart factory in Houston, Texas. The joint venture’s new facility will produce 50 tons of American Enoki mushrooms per day, easing the country’s dependence on mushroom imports.
According to the release, the smart factory “will leverage advanced technical operations for sustainable development of edible fungus, with operations focused on soilless, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly practices.”
In addition to the new facility, Finc plans to expand its Freshmore brand globally, featuring mushrooms grown in China and exported to 57 countries. According to the release, Finc is considered the pioneer of factory cultivation of the white jade mushroom and crab mushroom in China. Finc plans to continue its global expansion by further deepening cooperation between enterprises, universities and scientific research institutions, and working together to support the world's edible fungi industry.
The partnership looks to capitalize on growing popularity of edible fungi in the U.S., which lacks the production technology to grow the products to this point. The new Houston facility is expected to alleviate this supply chain challenges and lower prices for the products as a result.
Singapore Finc is a subsidiary of Shanghai Finc Biotechnology Co., LTD, and Huayuan Food Group is one of the largest Chinese brand operators in the U.S. Asian food market. The Houston factory is expected to be fully operational one year after construction begins.
