Mushrooms and truffles market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for fresh mushrooms and truffles experienced robust expansion from 2018 to 2023, with production volume climbing from 30.7 thousand tons to 146.6 thousand tons. This growth was initially triggered by a 2018 embargo on agricultural imports from the EU, USA, Australia, and Norway, which sharply reduced foreign supply and incentivized domestic production. Concurrently, currency devaluation made the sector attractive for large-scale investments, leading to the entry of new players and the expansion of major facilities like 'Gribnaya Raduga'.

Sustained import substitution and continuous capital inflow supported further market development. Changing consumer preferences, particularly rising demand for fresh champignons and oyster mushrooms, alongside the proliferation of mushroom farms with low entry barriers, underpinned consumption growth. The market volume correspondingly increased from 58.5 thousand tons to 156.4 thousand tons during the period, aided by the expansion of processing capacities and a wider product assortment.

Production growth continued in 2023, supported by favorable weather conditions and strong domestic demand. In 2024, the market saw a minor production adjustment following the closure of the large 'Bogorodskiye Ovoshchi' enterprise, though the overarching trend of import substitution and high investor interest in new mushroom farming projects persisted.

Production mushrooms and truffles in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Russia ranked as the 17th largest producer of mushrooms and truffles during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

Russia's production of mushrooms and truffles has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 86 378 tonnes, marking an 80.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production surged by 436.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 75.1%.

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

Exports mushrooms and truffles from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 3 422 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 38.2%. They then rebounded sharply in 2019, posting the largest increase of 88.7%. In 2020, exports peaked at 9 513 tonnes, a 47.3% year-over-year gain, resulting in a 2.8-fold difference between the 2018 trough and the 2020 peak.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lithuania, Germany, and Ukraine were the main markets for Russia's mushroom and truffle exports in volume terms. Lithuania accounted for 55.0% of exports, Germany for 16.2%, and Ukraine for 9.5%, together making up 80.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Russia's mushroom and truffle exports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 30 743 thousand US dollars, showing a modest rise of 3.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 38.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 21 291 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 3.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 40.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lithuania and Germany were the primary buyers of mushrooms and truffles from Russia in value terms, together accounting for 85.1% of total exports, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports mushrooms and truffles to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of mushrooms and truffles in volume terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 23 256 tonnes, representing a robust decrease of 11.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 31 241 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 15.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Belarus was the key supplier of mushrooms and truffles to Russia in volume terms, holding 87.7% of total imports, while a diverse group of other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Russia's imports of mushrooms and truffles in value terms declined. In 2020, imports were approximately 42 112 thousand US dollars, showing a limited reduction of 6.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 44 967 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus remained the dominant source for Russia's mushroom and truffle imports in value terms, with a share of 85.7% of total flows, while other markets made up the fragmented remainder.

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

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