The arrival of fall means the mushroom season has returned in full force. "Demand is currently higher than before the pandemic," says Harold Schuurmans of Westland Mushrooms. This company markets a wide range of mushrooms worldwide via Dutch exporters.
"We find ourselves in a situation where Asian mushroom prices are sky-high. Whether it's containers, air freight, energy prices, or packaging, these all drive the price up further. And that has led to significantly higher mushroom prices than in previous years. The fly-by-nights importers have dropped out now. For them, the risk has become too great. That's separated the wheat from the chaff and, thus, the true specialists remain."
Team Westland Mushrooms
On a product level, Harold says the range has been noticeably further reduced post-Covid. "The high costs mean many growers stopped growing the 'new' crops. The current air freight prices have made it too expensive to focus on special mushrooms. So, only the best sellers remain. As usual, at this time of year, demand for wild forest mushrooms is rising well."
"All the magazines are full of recipes again," he continues. "Then demand automatically picks up again. Our company is also selling more and more truffles. We've invested in machines to deliver truffles of all sizes to our customers. This has become a very stable sales branch."
The new overnight refrigerator
Last year, Westland Mushrooms replaced the cooling system in its premises in the Netherlands. It now has a sustainable, CO2-based system. And the mushroom supplier has taken a third refrigeration system into use. It is used as an overnight cooler behind the docks. "Trade goes on for 24 hours a day. This new cold store has good access control. So, drivers can come and pick up their goods, day or night," Harold concludes.
For more information
Westland Mushrooms
Harold Schuurmans
12a Jogchem van der Houtweg
2678 AG, De Lier, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 618 805 431
Email: h.schuurmans@westlandmushrooms.com
Website: www.westlandmushrooms.com