Demand for mushrooms has noticeably dropped after Easter. "However, this is the case every year and therefore it's not severe. In retail in particular, the demand decreases significantly, but among the approximately 100 regional catering businesses we also supply, demand is somewhat higher. So, it balances out to a certain extent," says Dieter Dömges, co-managing director of Pilzhof Nettetal and trading company GoChamp, based at Fresh Park Venlo.
Cultivators react accordingly to this decrease in demand, reducing their production volumes. "We are now reducing our weekly production of brown mushrooms by 20 percent until the end of the second quarter. Many Dutch cultivators, on the other hand, will not ramp up again until August-September. However, we have continuous sales and also supply the fairground business, meaning the regional fairs in summer."
Dieter Dömges (l) and Frank Goertz.
After the last price increase at the end of 2023, there have been no further adjustments, Dömges continues. "Retail has sent a clear signal and will not accept any price increases in the coming months. Considering the current cost situation, the prices are also adequate from the cultivators' perspective. However, should there be additional costs, especially surrounding energy, it could become critical again."
Stagnating market for gourmet mushrooms
In addition to mushrooms, the Lower Rhine mushroom farm also dedicates itself to the cultivation and marketing of gourmet mushrooms. This product line represents about 20 percent of the total turnover. Within the gourmet mushrooms category, oyster mushrooms make up about 70 percent of the production by far the largest item. The remaining share is divided between king oyster mushrooms and shiitake, each with 15 percent. In recent years, the sales of gourmet mushrooms could be roughly doubled. Dömges: "The market for exotic mushrooms seems to be somewhat stagnating after years of strong growth, which is clearly due to inflation and the associated purchasing restraints. Therefore, I do not see any further growth in this segment for the time being."
Images: Pilzhof Nettetal
For more information:
Dieter Dömges
Pilzhof Nettetal
Berg 17a
41334 Nettetal
Phone: +49 2153 971 778
Fax: +49 2153 971 779
Email: info@pilzhof-nettetal.de
www.pilzhof-nettetal.de
www.gochamp.nl