The supply of autumn porcini mushrooms is slowly picking up speed. "The start of the porcini mushroom season is a highlight of the mushroom year for many gourmets," says Lisa Niklas from the mushroom wholesaler of the same name. "So far in 2024, there has been a long wait for fresh porcini mushrooms, especially as the spring harvest almost failed. However, the autumn harvest is currently starting in the mountains, where the Boletus edulis mushroom grows. This is characterised above all by its consistency. Overall, we expect a quality autumn harvest." The weather is a decisive factor: "When temperatures are high, consumers tend to prefer chanterelles, while porcini mushrooms are more in demand in autumn temperatures."
Fresh porcini mushrooms from Romania.
High demand for fine and ready-to-cook chanterelles
Meanwhile, the chanterelle season is still in full swing, continues Mrs Niklas. Quality wild mushrooms are available currently. "We are seeing a high demand for small chanterelles and also ready-to-cook cleaned goods, especially in the bulk consumer segment. However, standard goods in kilo baskets or 3kg trays are also still in demand. In the retail sector, chanterelles sell best when they are available in advertising. They are currently sold in 400g, but also in smaller packs of 150g and 200g."
Ready-to-cook chanterelles are becoming increasingly popular.
Increased sales of dried mushrooms in the fruit & vegetable departments
The dried mushroom season also starts at the beginning of autumn: the Niklas sales team has observed that dried mushrooms are becoming increasingly important in the fruit and vegetable departments of wholesalers and retailers. "Whereas they used to be found mainly in the spices section, retailers are now seeing very good sales of dried mushrooms in the fruit and vegetable departments. Above all, dried mushrooms are winning over restaurateurs and end consumers with their intense flavour, which turns every dish into a special taste experience."
In order to further exploit the potential of dried mushrooms, Niklas invested in a system in 2022. "With the help of this process, we can treat the goods with infrared light to protect them from storage and also reduce germs. This means we can always offer our customers a consistent, high-quality product," concludes the company.
For more information:
Lisa Niklas
Uwe Niklas GmbH
Einsiedlerweg 60
93426 Roding-Neubäu
Phone: 09469 940425
Fax: 09469 940413
Email: [email protected]
www.pilze-niklas.de