China News Agency Taipei, January 31 (Reporters Xiao Kailin and Huang Shaohua) Following a public hearing and petition at the Taiwan Legislative Yuan on January 4, Taiwan Antrodia Cinnamomea industry representatives held a seminar in Taipei on January 31, calling for greater awareness of the edible and medicinal benefits of this unique Taiwanese fungus. Industry representatives stated that the main market for Antrodia Cinnamomea is in Mainland China, and there is significant potential for cross-strait cooperation in research, regulatory standards, food safety, and industrial development.
At the seminar, Taiwanese industry representatives showcased various Antrodia Cinnamomea products such as biscuits, eggs, tea bags, and oral liquids, demonstrating that Antrodia Cinnamomea can be used not only in medicine but also in affordable health foods, creating a variety of products at reasonable prices.
Ye Zongming, Chairman of the Taoyuan City Antrodia Cinnamomea Commercial Association, stated that conservative estimates suggest that the annual output value of Antrodia Cinnamomea-related products in Taiwan alone is approximately 3 billion NTD, while the Mainland China market has a potential of 50 billion NTD, with significant room for future growth.
Taiwanese industry representatives pointed out that the conservative attitude of relevant Taiwanese authorities has set obstacles for the development of the Antrodia Cinnamomea industry, causing it to fall into difficulties. They believe that effective ways to change the current situation include actively formulating various Antrodia Cinnamomea raw material standards, rigorously conducting 90-day toxicology experiments, and restarting globally recognized Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards to expand consumer awareness of Antrodia Cinnamomea and facilitate its entry into various markets.
While calling for the Taiwanese authorities to pay attention to the difficulties faced by the Antrodia Cinnamomea industry, Taiwanese industry representatives are also looking towards Mainland China. Zhan Junyi, Chairman of the Taiwan Safe Food Promotion Association, stated that he knows the Mainland industry has begun to formulate standards for the industrialization of Antrodia Cinnamomea, and Fujian has established a dedicated Antrodia Cinnamomea association. In improving Antrodia Cinnamomea food safety regulations, cross-strait cooperation can be further strengthened. Taiwan has accumulated a wealth of experimental and clinical data that can be referenced by Mainland China.
Ye Zongming further stated that Taiwan can collaborate with Mainland China in talent and industry standardization for the Antrodia Cinnamomea industry, using the Mainland market to promote the globally renowned "Ruby of the Forest."
Ye Zongming pointed out that Mainland China has included Taiwanese Antrodia Cinnamomea in the list of imported Chinese herbal medicines, but many details need to be discussed regarding how to open up the market, such as customs procedures. He revealed that after the Spring Festival, he will lead a delegation to Fujian and other places to discuss further cooperation with Mainland Antrodia Cinnamomea industry, academia, and research institutions.