Mushrooms and truffles market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The Irish fresh mushroom and truffle market was shaped significantly by the strong export orientation of its leading producers, most notably Monaghan Mushrooms, a major player throughout the period. This export focus had a direct impact on domestic availability; for instance, a key surge in exports to the United Kingdom, which absorbed over half of Ireland's mushroom exports in 2021, coincided with a sharp contraction in the domestic market volume to just over 26 000 t. The market was also part of a broader European competitive landscape, with a noted consumer trend toward imported exotic mushroom varieties emerging from 2018 onward, adding diversity to supply.

From 2022, the market volume rebounded and stabilized above 35 000 t annually, supported by rising consumer demand linked to health and wellness trends that favored fresh, immune-supporting foods. This shift in consumer preferences increased the market for packaged and fresh mushrooms, benefiting domestic growers. Concurrently, the industry continued to navigate inherent challenges like the product's short shelf life, which affected logistics. Ireland maintained a robust position as a top European exporter, accounting for 7.4% of the EU's export volume by 2024, while domestic per capita consumption remained steady at approximately 3.4 kg.

Production mushrooms and truffles in Ireland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Ireland was among the world's leading producers of mushrooms and truffles from 2017 to 2020, ranking 13th globally by production volume.

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

Mushroom and truffle production in Ireland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Ireland produced 69 260 tonnes, marking a modest 1.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.1%, averaging an annual increase of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 65 310 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest growth with a 4.6% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Ireland's mushroom and truffle production value rebounded. In 2020, output was valued at 203.8 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 16.8% improvement from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 8.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 174.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports mushrooms and truffles from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

Mushroom and truffle exports from Ireland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 45 159 tonnes, up 1.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 44.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 30 653 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.2%. Conversely, 2019 saw the highest increase with a 45.7% jump.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland's mushroom and truffle exports were almost exclusively directed to the United Kingdom, which accounted for 99.9% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Ireland's mushroom and truffle export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 132.9 million US dollars, representing a strong 16.5% advance compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 27.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 102.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom served as the primary market for Ireland's mushroom and truffle exports, consistently absorbing 99.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports mushrooms and truffles to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

Ireland's mushroom and truffle import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 636 tonnes, up 11.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volume skyrocketed by 721.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 101.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom remained the main source of mushroom and truffle imports to Ireland, accounting for 90.0% of total import volume, with the remainder distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Ireland's mushroom and truffle import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 24.0 million US dollars, marking a 14.9% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value surged by 665.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 97.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom dominated Ireland's mushroom and truffle imports in value terms, taking 88.9% of total imports, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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