For wild mushrooms, both temperatures and rainfall are fundamental factors. Most of the time, the volume available depends precisely on these, so marketers are unable to control it or make predictions. Already last summer, the El Niño phenomenon had taken a toll on the climate, and in turn, on the production of numerous fruits and vegetables, including wild mushrooms. And given how things are developing this summer, "it is clear the effects of this phenomenon don't last for just a couple of months," explains Jose Antonio Folgado, of Honza. Although last summer's production in Europe was very poor, "with record low volumes," this year's, although better, is still between 25 and 30% smaller than in normal years.
It should be noted that all the climate changes that are happening "are not necessarily bad," explains Folgado. The fact is that the production of wild mushrooms cannot increase exponentially with "just two strategic days of water and then sun." Besides, this summer we must differentiate two areas in Europe with a production at different speeds. The south "is having a bad summer, with no mushrooms;" however, Lithuania, Belarus or Russia are having good productions.
As for prices, it is difficult to give a figure, given the situation. "Since it is a wild product, you have greater volumes some weeks and smaller ones in other weeks, so prices are fluctuating. If there is one thing clear, it is that China's production keeps prices stable, even though they could rise because of product shortages," explains Folgado. Both productions, the Chinese and European, are parallel and rarely interfere with one other. "You cannot sell a kilo of mushrooms for 7 Euro if China is selling them for 4; it does not make sense," adds Folgado.
For more information:
José Antonio Folgado
Honza – Hongos de Zamora SL
Tel.: +34 980 509 215