With an annual production of 1900 tons of pasteurized compost, i.e. substrate for cultivation, Funghi Mara of Malalbergo (Bologna, Italy) represents a lively reality in the sector and a considerable presence. "In fact," explains Matteo Lanzi, the 42-year-old son of the founders Giuseppe and Mara, "we must also take into account 100 tons of compost for medicinal mushrooms and 225 tons of fresh mushrooms."
The company was founded in 1974 for the production of mushroom cultivation kits, both for the professional category and for hobbyists. "Our substrates are specific for different types of mushrooms: Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus cornucopiae, white and cream Champignon mushrooms, Pioppino, and Cardoncello, to name the most famous, as well as the so-called medicinal or health mushrooms, such as shiitake."
Matteo Lanzi's educational and professional background is as a computer scientist. "Then, a few years ago, my father asked me to help design the new composting plant for medicinal mushrooms. At that point, I started to love it and decided to stay at the company."
"We also have contacts abroad," he continues, "and until a few years ago the export rate was very high and we delivered to Australia, France, Germany, Greece, and Spain. Now the export ratio has dropped a bit, but we want to start shipping more into Europe again."
The story of generational change and innovation has caught the attention of the Agrimanager project, promoted by Agri2000, and Emilbanca. "We pay a lot of attention to young people," adds Lanzi, "not only in our company but also in terms of product innovation. In fact, with Mushroom Kick Start, we have a ready-to-use kit for starting cultivation in recuperated environments such as cellars, old farmhouses, and cottages. In this way, young people can start generating income with a minimal investment, and then think about growing and investing more as the business takes off," he concludes.
For more information:
Funghi Mara
Via Scalone 7C,
Malalbergo (BO)
+39 051 892049
[email protected]
www.funghimara.it
