Mushrooms and truffles market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French mushroom and truffle market volume expanded rapidly from 102.8 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 182.5 thousand tons in 2020. This surge was primarily driven by a growing consumer preference for fresh, locally-sourced, and healthy foods, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic as households sought nutritious options. Technological innovations in production and distribution, along with market consolidation around major players like Bonduelle, helped capture this rising demand.

After 2020, the market volume gradually declined to 139.7 thousand tons by 2023. This contraction coincided with the continued closure of small French mushroom farms due to competitive pressures from imported mushrooms, particularly from Poland. However, the market saw structural shifts, including a rise in online sales, the emergence of new segments like medicinal and exotic mushrooms, and a trend toward French-origin products, which reduced import dependency and spurred investments in sustainable packaging and organic lines by leading companies.

Production mushrooms and truffles in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, France ranked as the 10th largest producer of mushrooms and truffles globally, solidifying its position among the world's leading producers.

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

Mushroom and truffle production in France grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 132.2 thousand tonnes, marking a 50.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 53.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 15.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 83.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports mushrooms and truffles from France

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant volatility, reflecting an unstable market environment. The peak occurred in 2018 at 4 074 tonnes, while the trough was in 2020 at 1 650 tonnes, representing a 2.5-fold difference. In 2020, exports fell by 8.3% year-on-year. The largest decline of 55.9% was recorded in 2019, while the largest increase of 126.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's mushroom and truffle exports were geographically dispersed. Italy accounted for 15.1% of export volume, Switzerland for 12.0%, and Japan for 9.1%, together comprising just 36.2% of total flows. The remaining 63.8% was distributed across numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Mushroom and truffle exports from France declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 21.0 million US dollars, down 15.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 6.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, France exported mushrooms and truffles to many countries. Even the top three destinations—Japan, Italy, and the United States—collectively represented only 36.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports mushrooms and truffles to France

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes exhibited considerable volatility during this period. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 23 844 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 52 002 tonnes, creating a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.2 times. In 2020, imports increased by 5.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline of 45.2% was in 2018, while the largest increase of 107.4% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the primary sources of France's mushroom and truffle imports by volume. Poland accounted for 51.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 25.4%, and Belgium for 12.5%, together representing 89.5% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's mushroom and truffle imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached approximately 161.7 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 12.5% year-on-year growth. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 27.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain remained France's main suppliers of mushrooms and truffles by value. Poland accounted for 35.0% of import value, the Netherlands for 21.8%, and Spain for 13.5%, jointly forming 70.3% of total import value.

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

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