Mushrooms and truffles market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African market for fresh mushrooms and truffles expanded steadily from 2018 to 2021, with production rising from 27 598 t to 36 214 t and market volume growing from 28 773 t to 40 019 t. This growth was initiated by the entry of new production capacity, such as the 2018 opening of a large exotic mushroom growing factory in South Africa specializing in king oyster and shiitake varieties. Increasing consumer demand for these specialty mushrooms as flavor-rich meat alternatives further supported market expansion.

Market volume surged to 59 480 t in 2022, driven primarily by a sharp rise in imports, while domestic production continued its upward trend to 39 227 t. During this period, consumer preference shifted decisively toward fresh mushrooms over processed products, and demand for exotic varieties remained strong despite growing operational challenges like spiking production costs and rolling blackouts that required generators to maintain controlled growing conditions. By 2023, market volume adjusted to 49 151 t as import levels normalized, though domestic production reached a new high of 43 040 t.

Looking to 2024, urban mushroom farming gained significant attention as a space-saving, eco-friendly practice, with increased public interest fueled by media coverage and research into the benefits of home cultivation.

Production mushrooms and truffles in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

World map of production of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

Africa's production of mushrooms and truffles has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 33 178 tonnes, representing a 7.1% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 27.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports mushrooms and truffles from Africa

Exports in kind, t

Africa's exports of mushrooms and truffles in volume terms have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 727 tonnes, a decrease of 27.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 65.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -29.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, key buyers of African mushrooms and truffles included the Netherlands (11.0% of export volume), Kuwait (6.0%), and Qatar (5.3%). However, these three countries combined accounted for only 22.4% of total exports, while the remaining 77.6% was spread across numerous other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Africa's exports of mushrooms and truffles in value terms declined for the second straight year. In 2020, export value reached 7 287 thousand US dollars, a sharp drop of 36.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 38.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -14.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 14 392 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Africa's export market for mushrooms and truffles in value terms was quite diverse. Kuwait (12.8% of export value), Qatar (12.3%), and the Netherlands (8.1%) together made up just 33.2% of total exports, with many other countries holding smaller but still notable shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports mushrooms and truffles to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Africa's imports of mushrooms and truffles in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 2 979 tonnes, a significant decrease of 19.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 702 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 39.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the import sources for mushrooms and truffles in volume terms were widely distributed. Spain (27.0% of import volume), China (6.4%), and the Netherlands (3.1%) together accounted for only 36.5% of total imports, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of increases, Africa's imports of mushrooms and truffles in value terms fell. In 2020, import value stood at 6 440 thousand US dollars, down 27.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 931 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The country composition of Africa's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Spain (18.3% of import value), the Netherlands (6.3%), and France (5.4%) together formed just 30.0% of total imports, while the remaining 70.0% was divided among a wide range of other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020