Mushrooms and truffles market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh mushrooms and truffles in South Africa expanded consistently from 19 188 t in 2018 to 34 578 t in 2023. This growth was initially supported by the entry of new producers like the black female-owned Oatlands Oyster Mushroom in 2018, which increased local supply. Research in 2020 highlighting the economic viability of mushroom cultivation encouraged further investment and development. A marked consumer shift towards fresh mushrooms and plant-based, nutrition-rich foods by 2022 directly boosted demand, sustaining the market's upward trajectory.

Post-2023, the industry continued to evolve with several notable developments. In 2024, the market experienced post-COVID-19 price recovery and saw growing interest in space-saving urban mushroom farming. The following year, expansion of farming ventures on the KZN South Coast diversified local production, while new plant-based meat labeling regulations required clear descriptive names like 'Mushroom Loaf'. The Competition Commission's Fresh Produce Market Inquiry also proposed significant changes to sales and distribution channels, potentially affecting market access for producers.

Production mushrooms and truffles in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 22nd globally in the production volume of mushrooms and truffles.

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2018-2021

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

Mushroom and truffle production in South Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 29 064 tonnes, marking a 9.6% year-over-year rise. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 37.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Mushroom and truffle production in South Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 107.5 million US dollars, showing a robust gain of 16.8% over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 105.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.2%.

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

Exports mushrooms and truffles from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exported volumes of mushrooms and truffles from South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 1 254 tonnes, showing little to no change compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 39.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Eswatini, and Namibia were the key partners for South Africa's mushroom and truffle exports in kind. Botswana accounted for 29.9% of exports, Eswatini for 13.6%, and Namibia for 13.3%, jointly representing 56.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, South Africa exported 4 638 thousand US dollars worth of mushrooms and truffles, which is 6.4% higher than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 361 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5 570 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 21.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 8.4%.

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

During 2018 to 2021, South Africa's mushroom and truffle exports in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Botswana accounted for 21.2% of exports, Italy for 11.3%, and Switzerland for 11.2%, jointly making up 43.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports mushrooms and truffles to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The lowest imports were recorded in 2021 at 16 tonnes, down by 90.4% from the previous year, while the highest was in 2019 at 230 tonnes, reflecting a 13.9-fold gap. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 51.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, virtually all mushroom and truffle imports in kind to South Africa were associated with China, which accounted for 90.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign mushroom and truffle supplies to South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 76 thousand US dollars, dropping by 62.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 73%, with a compound annual growth rate of 35.4%.

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

In 2018 to 2021, China and Italy formed a dominant pair for South Africa's mushroom and truffle imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.1% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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