Lingzhi

In the last centuries, herbal medicines have been traditionally used to cure ailments. Many multinational companies have conducted research and development on traditional herbs to develop a range number of consumer products including medicinal herbs, food supplements, food products and non-food products such as skin care, cosmetics, toothpaste and so on. The herbal products market is driven mainly by health concerns and consumer demographics. These trends include anti-aging, weight control, joint and bone health, digestion/immunity, cardiovascular health/ diabetes and also the growing wellness and beauty trends. Another trend benefiting the herbs and botanicals market is the natural and exotic ingredients trend, which is taking off in functional foods as well as medicinal products.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Global economy

Economy crisis happened in the end of 2008. After two years, global economy starts to recover but in a moderate pace. Economic activities in the major advanced economies remained fragile. Moderate expansion in public as well as private sector because policy support had begun to fade and private sector had yet to fully recover.

US's economy expanded at a rate of 2% in the third quarter, a tad better compared to the second quarter of 2010 which recorded at a rate of 1.7%. Domestic demand however, remained modest. Private consumption grows from 2.2% to 2.6% in third quarter due to higher spending in services such as utilities and health care.

Japan has a stronger growth which recorded at a growth of 3.9% in the third quarter. There is