"The demand for exotic mushrooms has really picked up now. For example, we are seeing remarkably good demand for the Maitake and Pom Pom Blanc," says Koert Pleunis of Pleunis Mushrooms from Stramproy. "We had a remarkably quiet summer, and September was also slow to gain momentum, but from mid-October onwards, sales have been going very well for the special mushrooms."
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Pleunis Mushrooms sells exotic mushrooms mainly to wholesalers and, to a lesser extent, to retailers. "We have customers all over Europe. In the UK, sales are going very well. Exports to Germany have become more difficult over the years, though. More and more German growers of exotic mushrooms have entered the market, whereas they used to rely much more on Dutch and Polish products."
© Pleunis Mushrooms
A relatively new market Pleunis has tapped into is supplying Pom Pom Blanc, also known as Lion's Mane, to the supplement sector. "This is a growing market. Pom Pom Blanc is highly regarded and in demand for its health-promoting properties. We are increasingly benefiting from that in the fresh market as well."
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"We have always specialised in exotic mushrooms. That started with shiitake and gradually expanded to other varieties. We have always stayed away from white and chestnut mushrooms to remain outside the bulk segment," Koert continues.
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Maitake grows under blue light
"I think this has been a good strategy. The special varieties have been on the rise in recent years, and although there is more supply from other growers, the market for exotic mushrooms has grown steadily alongside production."
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"And in the coming weeks, we can really throw ourselves into it, because the two weeks before Christmas are often completely crazy. Orders easily double or triple. In fact, it is almost unmanageable, because production capacity is already full, but during the holidays, exotic mushrooms remain exceptionally popular," Koert concludes.
© Pleunis Mushrooms
For more information:
Koert Pleunis
Pleunis Mushrooms
Lochtstraat 8
6039 RV Stramproy
Tel: +31 (0) 6 54 255 406
[email protected]
www.pleunismushrooms.nl
