Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of edible fungi that are commonly eaten and grown all over the world. They are rich in essential nutrients and offer a host of health benefits, making them a popular food choice. The global mushroom market is expected to grow significantly, with revenue projected to surpass USD 114.40 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing popularity of veganism and the high demand for plant-based and vegan food products. There are several large companies in the mushroom industry, such as Monterey Mushrooms, LLC, Agro Dutch Industries Ltd., and The Mushroom Company, as well as many smaller businesses and farms. Starting a mushroom business can be rewarding but also challenging, requiring a strong work ethic, knowledge of cultivation, and good business acumen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global Mushroom Market Revenue Projection by 2030 | USD 114.40 Billion |
| Global Mushroom Market Revenue Projection by 2032 | USD 116.8 Billion |
| Mushroom Market Revenue in 2023 | USD 67.6 Billion |
| Mushroom Market Revenue in 2020 | USD 16 Billion |
| Mushroom Market Revenue Projection by 2028 | USD 22 Billion |
| Top Companies in the Mushroom Industry | Agro Dutch Industries Ltd., Bonduelle Group, Monterey Mushrooms LLC, OKECHAMP S.A., The Mushroom Company |
| Mushroom Varieties | Oyster, Button, Truffle, Matsutake |
| North American Mushroom Market | Expected to grow significantly |
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What You'll Learn
Global mushroom market value
The global mushroom market is growing, driven by rising veganism and the demand for plant-based and meat-alternative foods. Mushrooms are increasingly recognised for their health benefits, including their ability to help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and dementia. They are also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
Valued at USD 50.3 billion in 2021, the global mushroom market is projected to reach USD 115.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2022 to 2030. Other sources give slightly different figures, with one source stating the market value in 2024 as USD 71.81 billion, and projecting growth to USD 119.76 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.80% during 2025-2033. Another source gives the value of the global mushroom market in 2023 as USD 17.25 million tonnes, and projects growth to USD 32.04 million tonnes in 2032, at a CAGR of 7.18% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
The Asia Pacific region currently leads the market, accounting for over 78.6% share of global revenue in 2021. China is the largest producer in the region, with a per capita annual consumption of up to 10 kg. The Asia Pacific region also has a prevalence of traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicines, which make use of several species of mushroom for the treatment of various diseases.
The mushroom market in North America is also expected to grow significantly, with the United States representing a significant market in the global mushroom industry. This growth is driven by a bolstering customer shift towards both sustainable and healthy food options, and the increasing demand for functional foods and organic produce.
Europe is another key consumer in the global mushroom market, relying majorly on imports. Europe currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 41.9% in 2024. The presence of key market players in this region, along with the growing inclination towards plant-based foods, is expected to drive market revenue growth.
The global mushroom market is also influenced by the demand for functional and plant-derived foods, as well as the increasing recognition of mushrooms' bioactive compounds and antioxidants, which hold promising health benefits. The integration of mushrooms into pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products is also fuelling market growth.
The limited shelf life of mushrooms is anticipated to restrain the market growth over the forecast period. However, advancements in mushroom packaging technologies, along with the development of smart automation in the mushroom cultivation process, are expected to improve production efficiency and provide opportunities for the industry in the coming years.
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Mushroom cultivation
Mushrooms are edible fungi that are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, potassium, sodium, antioxidants, and vitamins. They are grown all over the world and are a part of different cuisines. The global mushroom market is expected to grow significantly, with a revenue of USD 114.40 billion expected by 2030.
The second step is spawning, where mushroom mycelium is sown into the prepared beds. This can be done by dispersing the compost on trays or mixing grain spawn with compost before filling the trays. The trays are then covered with newspaper, and water is sprinkled to maintain moisture content. The third step is called casing, where finely crushed rotten cow dung is mixed with garden soil to create casing soil. The pH of the casing soil should be on the alkaline side, and it needs to be well sterilized to kill harmful insects and pests. The temperature should be maintained at 25°C for 72 hours.
The fourth step is pinning, which occurs when the CO2 content of the room is less than 0.08%. Mushrooms will start to develop after rhizomorphs have formed. The fifth step is fruiting, which involves creating a favourable environment for mushrooms to fruit and then growing, harvesting, storing, and selling them. This step is crucial for developing a brand and customer base. The final step is harvesting, which involves reaping the mushrooms in "flushes". The first flush is reaped in 3-5 days, yielding 15-20 kg/m2, while the second flush is reaped in 5-7 days, yielding 9-11 kg/m2. Hand-picked mushrooms can be stored and consumed fresh.
There are also four common methods of commercial cultivation: using supplemented sawdust blocks, growing on logs, growing on straw, and using five-gallon buckets or filter patch bags. Outdoor fruiting on supplemented sawdust blocks is one of the easiest methods, as it requires little infrastructure or space. Shiitake mushrooms can be grown on logs, and the logs can be soaked or "shocked" each week to create a flush of mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms can be grown on straw, as they can utilize it as a low-nutrient, high-carbon substrate. Five-gallon buckets with holes drilled in a diamond pattern can also be used, but they must be thoroughly cleaned between uses to prevent contamination.
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Spawn production
The basic unit of spawn is the quart, though spawning rates vary among commercial mushroom farms. Some growers use as little as 1 quart for 60 ft2 of bed surface, while others spawn at a rate of 1 quart for 2 ft2. Increasing the spawning rate boosts mushroom production and reduces spawn growth time, especially with mixed-spawn. This is due to more efficient nutrient utilisation, quicker compost colonisation, and the nutrient value of the spawn grain.
To produce spawn, mycelium from a mycelial culture is placed on steam-sterilised grain, eventually growing through the grain. Spawn production requires extensive research and innovation, such as tissue culture technology, to ensure fast growth and robust strains.
Some companies, like BM Mushroom Industries, focus on spawn production and research, offering mushroom spawn, cultures, and training courses. They emphasise eco-friendly practices and promote the benefits of mushrooms for health, the economy, and the environment. Another company, Amycel and Spawn Mate, is the leading producer of mushroom spawn and supplements, serving the industry since 1979. They offer proprietary strains and products, as well as robust grower support and customer service.
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Fruiting and sales
The easiest aspect of mushroom cultivation to get into is fruiting and sales. This involves creating a favourable environment for mushrooms to fruit, then growing, harvesting, storing, and selling the mushrooms. While this step is still a lot of work, it can be a very profitable and sustainable business. The global mushroom cultivation market reached a profit of over $16 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach over $22 billion by 2028. Mushrooms, specifically gourmet mushrooms, are in high demand right now as they can be grown year-round, require comparatively little growing resources, and have a host of unique health benefits.
To start a mushroom business, you will need a walk-in cooler and a fruiting room, which can be set up in a basement, barn, or even outside for three-season growing. A grow room and walk-in cooler can be built for between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on your budget. You will also need to decide on a substrate, such as straw, sawdust, soybean hulls, wheat bran, or coffee grounds, and source spawning and growing bags. Temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius during fruiting are ideal for most mushrooms, allowing them to produce stronger and meatier fruits.
Once you have mastered the art of mushroom cultivation, you can explore various sales avenues. You can sell your mushrooms directly to consumers at food-focused markets, where you can expect to get $20-30 per pound. Selling to restaurants is more challenging and usually fetches a lower price of $10-12 per pound. However, it is worth exploring connections in the local restaurant industry to facilitate these sales. You can also consider creating value-added products such as mushroom body products, extracts, soups, teas, and dried mushrooms, which are becoming increasingly popular in e-commerce, farmers' markets, and stores.
Marketing is a critical aspect of a successful mushroom business. While growing specialty mushrooms like shiitake may be easier for small-scale growers, selling them can be more challenging. It is essential to devote time and effort to marketing and building relationships with potential clients, such as restaurants, to ensure consistent sales.
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Mushroom businesses near restaurants
The global mushroom market is a thriving industry, with a market value of US$67.6 billion in 2023 and an expected value of USD 114.40 billion by 2030. The rise in veganism and the demand for plant-based foods are key factors in the growth of the mushroom market. Mushrooms are a superfood, packed with nutrients and offering several health benefits, including the prevention of chronic diseases. They are also versatile and used in a variety of cuisines, making them a popular ingredient globally.
With the increasing demand for mushrooms, especially in the foodservice industry, there is a growing number of mushroom businesses. Some focus on wholesale and distribution, like South Mill Champs, which supplies fresh and value-added mushroom products to retailers across North America. They have farms, processing facilities, and distribution centers strategically located to ensure quick delivery of fresh mushrooms.
Other mushroom businesses cater to specific markets, such as Agro Dutch Industries Ltd., which specializes in the cultivation, processing, and canning of fresh white button mushrooms. They export their products internationally, reaching markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
For those interested in selling mushrooms to restaurants, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to start small and focus on a single restaurant to understand your production capacity. Then, identify high-end restaurants in your local area that source fresh produce locally, as these are more likely to be interested in your mushrooms. Contact the restaurant to find out the best time to visit and ask to speak to the head chef. It is best to visit during quieter times, such as early mornings or between 2-4 pm.
When you meet the chef, be friendly and introduce yourself. Offer a fresh sample of your mushrooms, preferably harvested the same day, along with some recipe ideas. Emphasize the fact that your mushrooms are locally sourced and fresher than those offered by wholesalers. Even if the chef doesn't commit to a purchase right away, use their feedback to approach other chefs and tailor your offering to their needs. If a chef expresses interest, try to get them to commit to a regular weekly order, and use this to build your credibility with other restaurants.
By following these steps and focusing on building relationships with chefs, you can successfully sell your mushrooms to restaurants and establish a thriving mushroom business near restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several major players in the global mushroom market, including Agro Dutch Industries Ltd., Bonduelle Group, Drinkwater Mushrooms Ltd., and many more. The exact number of mushroom businesses is unclear, but the market is growing, with a projected value of US$116.8 Billion by 2032.
Some of the top mushroom companies in the world include Agro Dutch Industries Ltd., Bonduelle Group, Drinkwater Mushrooms Ltd., Monterey Mushrooms, The Mushroom Company, and OKECHAMP S.A. These companies are known for their fresh and processed mushroom products, as well as their global reach.
The mushroom market is growing due to the increasing popularity of mushrooms as a superfood, their nutritional benefits, and the rising demand for plant-based and vegan food options. Additionally, advancements in packaging technologies, government initiatives, and product innovations are also contributing to the market growth.
