Mushrooms and truffles market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian market for fresh mushrooms and truffles expanded from 22 296 tons in 2018 to 30 172 tons in 2023, driven by a combination of stable local production and evolving retail strategies. Early in the period, established players like Lesage Champignons and distributors such as VEGEPACK ensured a robust supply chain and wide product availability. The market saw a significant dip in 2020 to 23 539 tons when the near-total closure of the hospitality sector during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional sales channels, though takeaway sales provided some offset.

Following the pandemic, the market rebounded strongly, reaching 26 622 tons in 2021. This recovery was supported by a reinforced local sourcing policy among major supermarket chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Delhaize, which partnered with Belgian producers to guarantee year-round domestic supply. In 2022, innovative production methods emerged, such as the Brussels mushroom cooperative cultivating mushrooms on beer or coffee waste, contributing to circular economy practices and potentially enhancing local production appeal. The market continued to grow to 28 707 tons that year.

Growth persisted into 2023, with the market reaching 30 172 tons. This was fueled by product diversification and convenience trends, as seen in VEGEPACK's expanded assortment including exotic varieties and the rising consumption of pre-sliced, ready-to-cook mushrooms. Additionally, increased consumer interest in wild mushrooms, supported by organized foraging walks, and the ongoing promotion of Belgian-origin products in supermarkets further stimulated demand.

Production mushrooms and truffles in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Belgium ranked among the world's top producers of mushrooms and truffles from 2017 to 2020, holding the 20th position globally by production volume.

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Belgium produced 28 000 tonnes of mushrooms and truffles, showing little change compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, Belgium's production of mushrooms and truffles declined in 2020. The output was valued at 64 285 thousand US dollars, marking a gradual reduction of 5.9% from 2019. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 68 296 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports mushrooms and truffles from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Belgium exported 27 191 tonnes of mushrooms and truffles, a 9.4% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 8.3%, averaging an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 24 854 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 27 630 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and France dominated Belgium's export structure for mushrooms and truffles in kind, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Belgium's export value for mushrooms and truffles reached 62 428 thousand US dollars, a 3.0% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 9.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 62 821 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 3.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom were consistently the main destinations for Belgium's exports in value terms, accounting for 44.5%, 29.8%, and 10.5% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 84.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports mushrooms and truffles to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of mushrooms and truffles increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 22 730 tonnes, a slight uptick of 3.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 9.7%, averaging an annualized rate of 3.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands was the primary source for Belgium's imports in kind, accounting for 81.6% of total flows, with other markets contributing smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Belgium's imports of mushrooms and truffles declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, with a volume valued at 48 182 thousand US dollars, a small reduction of 2.2% from the previous year. The peak value was in 2018 at 52 819 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the main source for Belgium's imports in value terms, representing 76.5% of total flows, with other markets forming a smaller portion.

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

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