Mushrooms and truffles market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Hungarian market for fresh or chilled mushrooms and truffles more than doubled in physical volume, rising from 21 636 t to 50 007 t. In value terms, the market expanded from 73.0 million $ to 153.7 million $ over the same period, reflecting sustained growth in both domestic consumption and production, which increased from 26 380 t to 53 610 t.

By 2023, the sector had successfully navigated post-COVID challenges, with rising consumer demand linked to the growing popularity of meat-free diets. Hungarian mushroom production was estimated at 22 000–23 000 t annually, with a significant portion exported to neighboring countries like Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Romania, supporting overall market volume.

Looking ahead, new trends emerged with süngomba gaining traction as a functional food, while companies like Walsh Mushrooms invested in new farming capacity. The market for wild-harvested truffles remained valuable, though strictly regulated, and the sector faced upcoming challenges such as the EU-wide ban on plastic packaging from 2030, requiring innovation for these sensitive products.

Production mushrooms and truffles in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary ranked 19th globally in mushroom and truffle production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2018-2021

World map of production of mushrooms and truffles, 2018-2021

Hungary's mushroom and truffle production volume grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 40 430 tonnes, a slight increase of 2.6% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 53.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 15.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's mushroom and truffle production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 120.1 million US dollars, up 12.2% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 33.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 81.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 9.2%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest increase of 31.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports mushrooms and truffles from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's mushroom and truffle export volume rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 8 864 tonnes, a solid uptick of 11.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 59.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 16.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Romania, and Slovakia consistently led Hungary's export structure in volume terms. Austria accounted for 59.1% of exports, Romania for 14.9%, and Slovakia for 10.1%, together making up 84.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's mushroom and truffle exports increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume totaled 26 335 thousand US dollars, up 21.9% from the previous year. Over the period 2018-2021, exports grew by 39.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Germany, and Romania remained the top destinations for Hungary's exports in value terms. Austria held 51.5% of exports, Germany 10.6%, and Romania 10.3%, collectively accounting for 72.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports mushrooms and truffles to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's mushroom and truffle import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 741 tonnes, marking a 7.3% year-over-year rise. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 238.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 50.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland dominated Hungary's import structure in volume terms, absorbing 70.3% of total mushroom and truffle imports, while the remainder was distributed among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's mushroom and truffle import value grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 6 737 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 55.8% gain compared to 2020. Over the period 2018-2021, imports increased by 208.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Poland and Romania were the key sources for Hungary's imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 89.6% of total flows, while other partners contributed much less individually.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021