Independent Wasabi Growing operation swallowed up by Food manufacturer.
On 23rd December 2010 it was announced that an Independent wasabi growing operation in the USA had been purchased for cash by a specialist food manufacturer.
Is this likely to make 100% Pure Wasabi products more available to the general public in the near to medium future?
In my view, the answer to that is a resounding NO!
The fact that the food manufacturer has made this purchase to ensure a point of difference between itself and other manufacturers making similar products points to the probability of reduced product being available,
Where will this leave other manufacturers who use wasabi in their products? They will either have to change their formulations to use the coloured horseradish and mustard products, or find another supplier. Also the other option is to obtain the wasabi growing IP from World Wasabi Inc., and start growing their own wasabi. That way at least they will have a guarantee of supply.
At long last one food manufacturer has realised the potential that wasabi products will have on the world food market, and has made their move early to consolidate their position. It can’t be long before more food manufacturers make this strategic move.
Until that happens, I predict that obtaining 100% Pure Wasabi products will become more difficult than it is at present and that is likely to increase its price on the International market.