Mushrooms and truffles market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled mushrooms and truffles in the MENA region fluctuated between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 90 190 t in 2018, it dipped to 85 757 t in 2019 before rebounding sharply to 97 643 t in 2020. After a slight contraction to 94 892 t in 2021, the market stabilized and grew modestly to 95 767 t in 2022, reaching 100 525 t by 2023.

In 2024, industry sources reported a 4.4% decline in mushroom and truffle consumption, driven by persistent supply chain challenges and economic and geopolitical uncertainties. During the same period, market participants introduced sustainable packaging innovations and advanced cultivation techniques using robotics and AI, such as those deployed by startups like Tupu, responding to growing consumer demand for fresh and health-oriented products. New market segments focusing on the health benefits of fresh mushrooms also emerged.

Production mushrooms and truffles in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

MENA's mushroom and truffle production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 93.9 thousand tons, marking a strong year-over-year increase of 10.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 23.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MENA's mushroom and truffle production value has also increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 312.3 million US dollars, showing a solid year-over-year gain of 18.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 44.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%.

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

Exports mushrooms and truffles from MENA

Exports in kind, t

Mushroom and truffle export volumes from MENA fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 6 672 tons, a decrease of 39.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 27.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.3%. The peak was in 2018 at 11 090 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 19.9%.

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

The export market for mushrooms and truffles in kind was diverse from 2017 to 2020. The top three destinations—the Netherlands (1.4% of exports), Singapore (1.3%), and Turkmenistan (0.9%)—together accounted for just 3.6% of total flows, with the remaining 96.4% spread across many other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, MENA's mushroom and truffle exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 22.2 million US dollars, a steep year-over-year fall of 34.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 34.0 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 29.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Singapore (2.2% of exports), Afghanistan (1.4%), and Germany (1.0%) together represented only 4.6% of total flows, with the remaining 95.4% distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports mushrooms and truffles to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes for mushrooms and truffles in MENA showed significant volatility in recent years. The lowest point was in 2020 at 10 428 tons, a measured drop of 9.6% from the previous year, while the peak was in 2018 at 24 920 tons, representing a 2.4-fold difference. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 53.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 72.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MENA imported mushrooms and truffles from many countries. Even the top three sources—the Netherlands, Spain, and China—together accounted for only 30.1% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values for mushrooms and truffles in MENA exhibited irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. In 2020, imports totaled 48.0 million US dollars, a significant reduction of 23.2% year-over-year. The peak was in 2018 at 118.7 million US dollars, and the low was in 2020, showing a 2.5-fold variation. The largest decline was in 2019 at 47.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 89.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import partner portfolio for mushrooms and truffles in value terms was quite broad. The Netherlands (26.8% of imports), Italy (2.6%), and China (2.4%) together represented only 31.9% of total flows.

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

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