Mushrooms are in a bit of a unique situation these days with consumers. On the one hand, there's a growing opportunity. “According to IRI Freshlook Consumer Network, 75 percent of buyers say they incorporate mushrooms into their meals but with today’s families busier than ever, convenience is key,” says Andrea Smith, Sales Director of Monterey Mushrooms, LLC. That means that 38 percent of consumers prefer to buy pre-cut and packaged mushrooms to save time. Meanwhile, 36 percent of consumers are looking for new ways to incorporate alternatives to meat into their diets--in all, 29 percent of consumers typically eat mushrooms as an alternative to meat.
On the other hand, inflation and inflationary-driven spending have resulted in the loss of some households in the mushroom category. “The consumers that are still engaged are managing their spending by fewer trips and fewer units purchased which has translated into sustained unit and volume pressures,” she says. “Retailers are looking to find a way to bring new consumers and lost consumers back into the mushroom category.”
Left: Thai is one of three flavors for the Sizzling Sautés kit; right: Andrea Smith
What does this mean for growers?
Given that Monterey Mushrooms grows some 200 million lbs. of fresh mushrooms annually throughout its nine farms across the U.S. and Mexico, these consumer insights are very much playing into how the grower moves mushrooms. “As demand for mushrooms increases, we increase supply and demand is on the rise with the upcoming holiday season,” Smith.
The produce industry is also well aware that consumers need quick solutions for meals and the grower-shipper is looking for mushrooms to take more space in that meal solution arena.
For the mushroom grower-shipper, this has led to the introduction of Sizzling Sautés Mushroom Kits which are sliced mushrooms that come with a sauce packet for consumers to incorporate into their meals with less prep time. The kits are available in three flavors--Fajita, Teriyaki and Thai. “It’s the job of Monterey Mushrooms and retailers to reignite that excitement in this category by offering consumers meal solutions while saving them prep time. We believe this line is one way to do that,” adds Smith.
For more information:
Lindsey Occhipinti
Monterey Mushrooms, Inc.
Tel: +1 (831) 763-5355
[email protected]
www.montereymushrooms.com
