It is currently all hands on deck at Oakfield Champignons in the Netherlands. They have to meet the demand for mushrooms. "Eateries are open for a limited time, so the retail sector is selling much more. There's not a single variety that isn't doing well at the moment," says Maurice Koppen. Oakfield focuses mainly on sales toward Dutch and French supermarkets.
The biggest challenge for many businesses will be regarding staff and product availability. "Demand is doubling or tripling. But you can't scale your company up two or three times. Also, workers from Eastern European employees want to go home during the holidays. Fortunately, we have things well in hand in that area. Demand will, however, exceed supply in the coming weeks."
According to Maurice, exotic mushrooms are among the best sellers. "A lot of these are used as meat substitutes. King oyster mushrooms, beech mushrooms, Pholiota, chestnut mushrooms; demand is currently huge," the mushroom grower says. Oakfield also supplies the range in an organic version. That demand for organic products in general, Maurice says, is developing steadily, even rising slightly. "That growth isn't as large as in standard exotic mushrooms," he concludes.
For more information:
Maurice Koppen
Oakfield Champignons
1 Locht Street
6039 RV, Stramproy, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 495 564 113
Fax: +31 (0) 495 561 560
Email: sales@oakfield.nl
Website: www.oakfield.nl