The mushroom market - Italy

The global mushroom market experienced sustained growth from 2020 onwards, with China making a significant contribution, accounting for 94% of the global mushroom and truffle production in 2022. The European Union, however, observed a decline in production from 115,600 tons in 2017 to 109,800 tons in 2022. Italy specifically saw a 2.6% decrease in harvested mushrooms between 2020 and 2022, from 6922 tons to 6744 tons. Despite being a net importer, Italy's exports grew by 84.4% from $59.31 million in 2018 to $109.35 million in 2022, while imports increased by 138.5% within the same period.

Trends and Highlights in the Italian Mushroom Market

The Italian mushroom market has been experiencing both growth and fluctuations, with the country's demand for mushrooms showing an upward trend between 2017 and 2022. Apparent consumption of mushrooms has grown, achieving approximately between 80,000 and 90,000 tons, which marks an increase of around 5% to 10% over the analyzed period. Interestingly, this growth trajectory was impacted by the pandemic with a decrease occurring in 2020, but recovery seems to have set in by 2022, outpacing even 2019's pre-pandemic levels. The value of sold production of mushrooms and truffles, specifically the dried and preserved categories, has shown a slight overall decline of between 2% and 3% during the period from 2017 to 2022. This fluctuation suggests that while the physical volume may be growing, economic returns are tempered by various market conditions, including possibly price variations and consumer preferences. In terms of the geographical distribution of demand within Italy, there's a notable split. Northern regions lead in expenditure on mushroom purchases, averaging between 4 and 5 euros per household per month. Conversely, the southern regions exhibit a higher search interest for mushroom-related queries, suggesting a high consumer curiosity or intent in these regions. Production-wise, the Northeast dominated mushroom cultivation, accounting for around 70% of the total national production, while the Center and the South trailed significantly behind. Lastly, the Italian market also explores alternative uses for mushrooms, highlighting mycotherapy, a form of alternative medicine utilizing various fungi species for their presumed health benefits. This sector emphasizes the potential of mushrooms beyond culinary uses, although it remains outside mainstream medical endorsement.

Pioneers and Innovators: Leading Producers in Italy's Mushroom Market

Italy's mushroom production landscape is dominated by innovative and long-standing companies that have enriched the market with their quality products and sustainable practices. Here's a closer look at some of the key players who have made significant contributions to this sector:

Consorzio Funghi di Treviso Founded in 1999, the Consorzio Funghi di Treviso is not only the leading production hub for cultivated mushrooms in Italy but also plays a crucial role in the "Consorzio Fungo Italiano Certificato," an initiative to promote and enhance Italian-grown mushrooms. With a production approach that embraces quality, innovation, training, and respect, this consortium has established itself as a model of excellence in mushroom cultivation.

Fungamico With its beginnings in 2001, Fungamico emerged from a union of nine established mycological companies. It specializes in a variety of mushrooms and utilizes modern agronomic techniques to supply fresh, high-quality mushrooms to retailers, wholesalers, and the canning industry.

Funghidea Rooted in a history dating back to 1978, Funghidea focuses on champignon mushroom cultivation. This company is recognized for its advanced, highly automated production system and its commitment to food safety and environmental respect. As a member of the Certified Italian Mushroom Consortium, Funghidea underscores its dedication to quality and traceability.

Funghi delle Terre di Romagna Established in 2008, Funghi delle Terre di Romagna is part of the "Certified Italian Mushroom" brand, emphasizing the consortium's commitment to quality and export development in the mushroom industry.

Società Agricola Porretta s.r.l Società Agricola Porretta, established in 2012 and built on decades of familial experience, showcases its prowess in champignon mushroom cultivation. Its new mushroom farm, equipped with cutting-edge technology, stands testament to the company's dynamic presence in local and European markets.

Funghi Valbrenta Since its inception in 1987, Funghi Valbrenta has been producing fresh and genuine mushrooms year-round. The company's production values include a passion for work and a commitment to responsible business decisions, ensuring high-quality products.

Funghi 3P s.r.l Funghi 3P, founded in 2016, cultivates both wild and cultivated mushrooms, focusing on sustainability and reduced environmental impact. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 28/02/2024

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Mushroom market
• Mushroom and truffle production
• Mushroom and truffle production, breakdown by country
• Mushroom and truffle production
• Mushroom harvesting production
• Value of production sold of mushrooms and truffles (dried and preserved)
• Import - Export fresh, dried and packaged mushrooms
• Main export destination countries for fresh, dried and packaged mushrooms
• Main countries of origin of fresh, dried and packaged mushroom imports
• Volume of domestic demand for mushrooms and truffles
• Annual change in the value and volume of production sold of mushrooms and truffles (dried and preserved)
• Google Trends index of interest for the search for "Recipes with mushrooms"
• Wholesale prices for white prataioli mushrooms, breakdown by market
• Wholesale prices for Pleorotus ostreatus (Mumps) mushrooms, breakdown by market
• Producer price index for mushrooms and truffles
• Plant-based protein market
• Consumer price index for roots, non-starchy bulbs, mushrooms and other vegetables
• Producer price index for fresh vegetables