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Market Demand
As with every other raw material, prices are influenced by many variables we cannot fully predict in the years to come. In order to offer to our many customers a reliable forecast, we will refer to the main demand market for Bamboo: China.
Bamboo shoots are exchanged in China between $3 to $14 per pound, when the average salary in China is $10 per day.
A load of several tons of imported bamboo from China (FOB), and considering an initial cost of $3 per pound, is quoted at over $20 per pound on the American market.
Culms, used for the production of outdoor or indoor furniture, is imported only in limited quantities with a cost of about $45 per nine-foot lengths.
Bamboo pellets imported from China have an extremely high market value compared to the alternative recycled products already offered on the American Market due to bamboo’s higher burning values and purity (no glues, greases, toxic paints, or chemicals).
In Thailand, bamboo pellets are sold at $160-165 per ton.
Fresh bamboo shoots are considered a tasty alternative to the more readily available canned import. However, many U.S. consumers are unfamiliar with preparing and cooking bamboo. Providing instructions, along with recipes, will be an important aspect of promoting fresh shoots. Health food stores, farmers markets, and ethnic markets are potential marketing avenues.
Restaurants, particularly those specializing in Asian or vegetarian dishes, may also be interested in purchasing fresh bamboo. Bamboo shoots could also be added to the product mix for a farmers market or community supported agriculture (CSA) grower.
Bamboo canes are hard and durable, but lightweight, making them suitable for a number of on-farm uses (trellises, fences, stakes, etc.). Marketing green or cured culms will require competing with imports. Direct sales to farmers, craftsmen, furniture makers, etc. may be possible. Identifying a niche market with repeat buyers will be crucial to success.
For more information on growing bamboo shoots for income contact www.onlymoso.com.