From Mushroom Lovers to Business Owners: The Story of Mushroom City

Mushroom City Company started as a small backyard business in 2019, run by brothers Numeriano and Edsel Quemado in the highlands of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Their love for mushrooms from a young age turned into a thriving business that has become a household name in the local mushroom production industry.

“When we were young, we really loved eating mushrooms. Sometimes we even fought over them because the supply of mushrooms in Bukidnon was not that abundant,” recounted Edsel.

This passion led Numeriano to pursue a degree in agriculture, majoring in plant pathology and mycology where he studied different plant diseases and various fungi, including mushrooms. On the other hand, Edsel served as an apprentice to professional mushroom growers and professors.

Using their own savings and scholarship allowance, the brothers started growing and selling oyster mushrooms in their home until they received a P25,000 order from Lanao. “That’s when we realized the potential of mushroom production. Our mushroom fruiting bags at home kept increasing and even occupied our living room! So, our father instructed us to move to our farm,” said Edsel.

This small success led them to eventually move to their small farm in Barangay Kalasungay, which provided them an opportunity to expand their backyard business into what is now known as the Mushroom City Company.

Mushroom City Company produces various types of oyster mushrooms (kabuteng pamaypay), including pink, yellow, and white oyster mushrooms. They also cultivate other mushroom types, such as ganoderma, shiitake, and auricularia. However, the company currently focuses on growing white oyster mushrooms as it has a bigger market demand.

As the business continued to grow, it expanded its product and service offerings to capture new market segments and increase its revenue and profit. The company has ventured into food processing and now produces mushroom chicharon. This product is a healthier and high-protein alternative to traditional pork chicharon, since it’s made from oyster mushrooms. The chicharon comes in three delicious flavors: sour cream, salted egg, and barbecue.

On September 14, 2022, the company launched the Mushroom Cafe, which offers customers a diverse range of mushroom-based dishes, including their specialties like the Special Mushroom Burger and Mushroom Alfredo.

But the Mushroom City Company’s impact goes beyond just producing delicious and healthy mushroom products. They also serve as educators, teaching aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs the ins and outs of mushroom production from spawn production to processing and entrepreneurship.

Today, the company is recognized by the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as a leading training center for mushroom production in Bukidnon. Many of their students have gone on to start their own mushroom businesses, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.

When you find yourself in Bukidnon, don’t forget to visit Mushroom City Company and sample their delightful mushroom products. You can tour the farm and observe how they cultivate and process their mushrooms from farm to table. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about farming!

You can find them at Purok 8, Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, or reach them through their phone numbers: 09051033365 or 09267888466. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6:30 PM, and would be happy to welcome you.

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