Enoki mushrooms have emerged as one of the Philippines’ newest commercially produced agricultural products, with President Bongbong Marcos highlighting the specialty crop as a promising addition to the country’s lineup of export-ready goods that could one day achieve global recognition alongside ube.
The rise of locally grown enoki broadens the Philippines’ agricultural portfolio and could pave the way for another homegrown product to gain recognition in international markets, much like the growing global popularity of ube have now ventured into new and viable ones, like enoki mushrooms,” Marcos said.
Enoki mushrooms are now being commercially cultivated in Silang, Cavite, marking the Philippines’ entry into a specialty mushroom market that has long relied on imported supply.
The climate-controlled production facility, operated by Basic Necessity Inc. under the Salad Time brand, was established after more than two years of research and laboratory testing aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported enoki.
An industry report released in 2023 estimated that nearly all enoki and other specialty mushrooms sold in the Philippines were imported. Local production opens opportunities to meet domestic demand while laying the groundwork for broader commercial distribution.
By mentioning enoki in his SONA, Marcos placed the mushroom alongside the country’s established agricultural exports and presented it as one of the new products being developed by Filipino producers.
The rise of locally grown enoki broadens the Philippines’ agricultural portfolio and could pave the way for another homegrown product to gain recognition in international markets, much like the growing global popularity of ube.
