By Alice Dang
As an increasing number of people recognize tofu’s comprehensive nutrition value and consume it as a substitute for meat, the tofu industry has been flourishing even during the COVID pandemic. Based on MMR’s Industry Report and Prediction, “Global Tofu Market size was valued at US$ 235.73 Bn. in 2020, and the total revenue is expected to grow at 5.2% through 2021 to 2027, reaching nearly US$ 336.17 Bn” [1]. The graph below clearly demonstrates the prompt growth of both processed tofu (tofu has a longer shelf-life) and unprocessed tofu. The question popped up in my mind: what are the factors behind such rapid growth? According to IMARC Tofu Industry Report, “the continual launch of innovative product variants, such as tofu-based sauces, burgers, hot dogs, ice creams, shakes, and desserts, is acting as another growth-inducing factor” [2]. In this exhibit, I will uncover the myth behind tofu’s popularity from the perceptive of the products and manufacturers.
Moreover, I chose this topic because of my grandma, who, 40 years ago, started her small tofu shop in Inner Mongolia, China, to raise her three children and support the whole family. Running the tofu shop for almost 20 years, tofu not only has been an important part of my family’s daily cuisine but also has tofu changed my family’s financial situation according to my father. After I was born, although my grandma stopped making tofu, tofu is still an important ingredient in my family’s daily dishes. Therefore, to document my family’s “tofu history”, I decided to explore more about tofu. Coming to the U.S. in my tenth grade, I learned that tofu is also a popular product for its adequate nutrition and diverse texture. A series of questions were raised in my mind: Why is tofu so popular in different countries? Do people from different cultural backgrounds love tofu for the same reason? Is there any difference between tofu in China and tofu in the U.S.? All these questions urge me to find out the reason behind tofu’s popularity.
After evaluating three primary sources, I conclude that tofu is ingrained in different cultures because of its incredible adaptability and tofu manufacturers’ alterations of tofu products based on local communities. The three sources represent three manufacturers of different scales and locations: Ota Tofu Factory in Portland, Oregon; my grandma’s tofu shop in Inner Mongolia, China; Vitasoy, the magnate soybean producer, founded in Hong Kong but sells products around the world. The audience should have a comprehensive understanding of different producers’ approaches after reading the three sources.
Reference
[1]. “Global Tofu Market: Industry Analysis and Forecast (2021-2027) by Product, Application and Distribution Channels.” MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH, December 20, 2021. https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-tofu-market/111769/.
[2]. “Tofu Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026.” Size, Share, Industry Trends & Analysis 2021-2026. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://www.imarcgroup.com/tofu-market.
