International Xianggu Mushroom Supply Chain Conference Grandly Opened

    Li Yu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, National Model of Poverty Alleviation, President of the International Society for Medicinal Fungi, and Director of the Academic Committee at Jilin Agricultural University, delivered a speech. He stated that the successful implementation of the “Qihe Model” has become a vivid example of innovative development in China's Shiitake mushroom industry. Through the synergistic approach of “smart factories + industrial bases + cooperatives + farmers,” this model has not only boosted incomes for tens of thousands of farming households but also, driven by both policy and technology, established a modern shiitake industry cluster spanning breeding to export. This places it at the forefront of China's global shiitake development. The innovative model of “domestic spawn production, overseas fruiting, and local fresh mushroom sales” contributes Chinese wisdom to enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the global supply chain. In his address, Academician Li Yu proposed four expectations for the national shiitake supply chain: First, adhere to innovation-driven development to strengthen the industry's foundation. Second, optimize the supply chain system to enhance developmental resilience. Third, deepen international cooperation to broaden development prospects. Fourth, practice green concepts to safeguard our ecological home. He expressed hope that this conference would serve as a new starting point to pool wisdom, deepen collaboration, and advance together, jointly propelling China's and the world's shiitake mushroom supply chains toward a higher-quality, more efficient, and more sustainable future! Academician Li Yu declared the 2025 International Shiitake Mushroom Supply Chain Conference officially open.

    Liu Pengfei, Deputy District Chief of Zichuan District, Zibo City, delivered an address on behalf of the District Party Committee and Government, extending a warm welcome to all distinguished guests. He stated that in recent years, Zichuan District has leveraged the leading role of Qihe Bio to drive income growth for over 200 villages and more than 60,000 farming households. The shiitake mushroom industry has become a veritable industry for enriching the people, strengthening the district, and serving as a pillar industry. It has explored pathways, provided models, and added luster to the revitalization of rural industries in Zichuan District. We will seize this conference as an opportunity to intensify efforts in cultivating the shiitake mushroom industry, enhance the capacity for deep processing of agricultural products, expand domestic and international markets, and create more renowned brands. Zichuan District will continue to support and assist Qihe Bio in expanding and strengthening the shiitake mushroom industry, bringing more high-quality agricultural products into ordinary households and ensuring more premium brands gain recognition both domestically and internationally. At the same time, we hope that all experts and professors will continue to provide insights and advice for the development of Zichuan's shiitake mushroom industry, promote more projects, platforms, and talent to settle in Zichuan, and jointly create a brighter and more glorious future for the shiitake mushroom industry!

    Su Sitong, National Model Worker and Chairman of Shandong Qihe Biotechnology Co., Ltd., delivered the welcoming address on behalf of Qihe Biotech. He stated that co-hosting this conference with the Edible Fungi and Products Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products is both an honor and an unavoidable mission. Currently, the global shiitake mushroom industry is undergoing critical phases of industrial upgrading, value repositioning, and resource integration, facing a series of opportunities and challenges. Qihe Bio looks forward to candid exchanges with industry peers, sharing insights and experiences in smart production transformation, strain research and development, domestic and international market expansion, and supply chain construction. Together, we will explore boundless possibilities for future collaboration. Seizing this conference as an opportunity, guided by the “Grand Food Vision” and the “Three-Element Cycle” development philosophy, we will “connect the world through mushrooms” and jointly pioneer a more resilient, innovative, and prosperous future for the global shiitake mushroom industry! 

Xu Xiaohu, Vice President of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, delivered a speech.

    Tan Qi, President of the World Society for Edible Fungi Biology and Products, President of the Shiitake Mushroom Branch of the Chinese Society for Mycology, and Level-2 Researcher at the Edible Fungi Research Institute of the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, delivered a speech.

Huang Chenyang, Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, delivered a speech.

    During the special feature segment, Li Linchun, Brand Consultant for the Edible Fungi and Products Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, and Independent Director of Fenjiu, unveiled the “2025 China Shiitake Mushroom Regional Brand Strength Ranking,” alongside the “2025 Popular Shiitake Mushroom Dishes Ranking” and the “2025 Pre-cooked Shiitake Mushroom Dishes Popularity Ranking.”

    Su Jianchang, General Manager of Shandong Qihe Biotechnology Co., Ltd., presented an overview of Qihe Biotechnology. Keynote Speeches: Tan Qi, Huang Chenyang, Li Linchun, and Cui Xuexiang—Microsoft AI Trainer, Huawei Cloud AI Specially Appointed Lecturer, and Co-founder of Huadun'er (Shenzhen)—delivered keynote speeches titled “Shiitake Mushroom Industry Development,” “Reflections on Expanding China's Edible Fungi Industry,” “Unavoidable Trends in the Shiitake Mushroom Industry,” and “Rewriting the Future of the Shiitake Mushroom Industry with AI: Let Algorithms Make You Money, Let Data Make Decisions for You.”

    Liu Ziqiang, Secretary-General of the International Society for Medicinal Fungi and Secretary-General of the Edible Fungi and Products Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, moderated the keynote session.

    Zhao Dongming, Deputy Secretary-General of the Edible Fungi and Products Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, presided over the meeting.

    Specialized Session:  In the afternoon, the conference entered the specialized discussion segment. Over a dozen experts and scholars from the industry chain engaged in in-depth discussions on two core topics: “New Marketing Pathways for Shiitake Mushrooms” and “How the Shiitake Industry Can Break Boundaries and Integrate into the Broader Food Landscape.” They provided forward-thinking insights and practical strategic recommendations for brand development and cross-sector expansion within the shiitake industry. That afternoon, Academician Li Yu and his delegation conducted an on-site inspection of the Smart Factory at Qihe Bio's West Building, accompanied by Chairman Su Sitong.

Shiitake Mushroom Gourmet Tasting: That evening, the West Building Smart Factory of Qihe Bio filled with the aroma of mushrooms as a unique shiitake barbecue dinner unfolded. While experiencing the passion of Zibo-style grilling, attendees were deeply impressed by the array of grilled fungi. Plump shiitakes, juicy king oyster mushrooms, and rich porcini mushrooms earned unanimous praise from the guests.