Prepared mushrooms and truffles market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared mushrooms and truffles in Southern Europe saw significant expansion between 2018 and 2023, with total volume rising from 52 366 t to 77 683 t. This 48% growth was marked by a strong increase in 2019, followed by relative stability in 2020, a slight contraction in 2021, and a renewed upswing culminating in a notable 17% surge in 2023.

Market operations are framed by established safety and labeling regulations, primarily the Italian DPR 376/95, which sets mandatory thermal treatments and detailed disclosure requirements for species, net weight, and storage conditions. Broader industry trends, including rising consumer demand for healthy, additive-free foods and innovation in segments such as mushroom-based meat substitutes and functional products, have concurrently shaped the sector's development.

In the current landscape, consumer preferences continue to emphasize the nutritional and health attributes of mushrooms. The regulatory environment is evolving, with new labeling rules including a points-based system for companies scheduled to take effect in October 2024. While no major new production facilities or market entrants were reported in the sector, advancements in packaging and supply chain traceability represent ongoing areas of focus.

Production prepared mushrooms and truffles in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, production of prepared mushrooms and truffles in Southern Europe declined. In 2019, output reached its peak at 72 651 tonnes, but by 2020 it had fallen to 63 734 tonnes, marking a significant 12.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports prepared mushrooms and truffles from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Exports of prepared mushrooms and truffles from Southern Europe declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports peaked at 58 543 tonnes, but by 2020 they had dropped to 30 616 tonnes, representing a sharp 30.6% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 41.6%, with an average annual decline of 16.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, when exports grew by 11.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of exports in volume terms was highly diversified. France accounted for 34.9% of exports, the United States for 8.7%, and Saudi Arabia for 1.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 45.1% of total export flows, while the remaining 54.9% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, exports of prepared mushrooms and truffles from Southern Europe in value terms amounted to 134.9 million US dollars, showing a modest 3.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 8.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 139.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 6.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with an 11.3% rise.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of trading partners. France accounted for 28.1% of export value, the United States for 11.5%, and Germany for 5.3%. Combined, these three countries represented only 44.8% of total export flows, while the remaining 55.2% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports prepared mushrooms and truffles to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Imports of prepared mushrooms and truffles into Southern Europe declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 36 746 tonnes, down by 5.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in volume terms was broad. The Netherlands accounted for 23.5% of imports, Poland for 17.7%, and Belgium for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.6% of total import flows, while a substantial 51.4% came from many other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of prepared mushrooms and truffles into Southern Europe declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 68.1 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 1.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 15.1%, with an average annual decline of 5.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for imports in value terms was quite broad. The Netherlands accounted for 20.8% of import value, Poland for 15.8%, and Belgium for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.0% of total import flows.

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

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