During the holidays, there is an increased demand from Southern Europe for Western European mushrooms. "We have clients in Spain and Portugal who focus on Western tourists in particular", says Michel Lesage of the Belgian Lesage Champignons. "These clients see that tourists do not choose local mushrooms. This is because they are of a poorer quality. The guys in the South push a lot of mushrooms. It is good to see that tourists prefer Dutch or Belgian mushrooms over the local varieties."
"The mushrooms are currently of a very high standard. The dry weather has improved their quality and, especially, their shelf life. Compared to last season, the nutrients in the ground are producing fewer mushrooms, but they are of better quality. We expect most of the sales to be done in the autumn. The demand for mushrooms is only increasing", says Michel.
Impulse buy
According to this grower, this week's slightly lower temperature is causing the demand for mushrooms to rise a little again. Business is, however, always, calmer in the summer. "Mushrooms are eaten more frequently in the autumn and winter", he explains. "However, we do see consumers making more impulse buys in the summer. These often include mushrooms."
"The calmer summer months do not detract from the fact that the mushrooms season went very well for a long time. We do, however, try to attract people's attention to mushrooms in the summer. We are also seeing that this marketing is actually working. Mushrooms are good in salads and are also very tasty when barbecued. Consumers are also cooking more and more creatively. Mushrooms fit well into this trend. It is the 'quiet before the storm' at the moment. In the autumn, things will be bursting at the seams again", concludes Michel.
For more information:
Michel Lesage
Lesage Champignons
79 Kervijnstraat
8531 Bavikhove
+32 (0) 567 122 88