The mushroom market in Italy

Contrary to popular belief, the mushroom is not a plant and is its own biological kingdom. The mushroom we know is the visible part of a much more complex organism growing underground. There are nearly a million species, which can be classified into different families:

Edible

Poisonous

Hallucinogens

In the food context, edible mushrooms are valued for their unique taste and nutritional benefitsThe most common varieties include champignons, porcini and shiitake, each with unique taste and texture characteristics. Nutritionally, mushrooms are a valuable source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in antioxidants and can contribute to health benefits such as strengthening the immune system. In the kitchen, mushrooms are valued for their versatility and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

In 2023 the global mushroom market reached a global value of 61.33 billion dollars. Between 2023 and 2028 sustained growth of the industry is expected with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5 percent, under which the global mushroom market could reach a total value of 95.23 billion dollars. Between 2017 and 2022, annual global mushroom production grew by 21.4%, from 39.81 million tons in 2017 to 48.34 million tons in 2022. In 2022, China contributed 94% of the global mushroom and truffle production, with a total production of 45.43 million tons out of 48.34 million tons total.

As for the European Union, between 2017 and 2022, mushroom production appears to have declined. During the period analyzed, total production decreased from 115,600 tons to 109,800 tons, marking a contraction of 5.0 percent. However, while between 2017 and 2021 there is a growth in production, amounting to 8.8%, between 2021 and 2022 production drops by 12.7%.