Global Mushroom Market Size By Type of Mushroom (Button Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushrooms, Oyster Mushrooms, Portobello Mushrooms), By Application (Food Processing, Food Service, Retail, Pharmaceuticals), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Retail), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Mushroom Market Size And Forecast

Mushroom Market size was valued at 52.94 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach 103.18 USD Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.70% from 2024 to 2031.

• Mushrooms are classified as Fungi, which is a different kingdom from plants and animals. They are the fruiting body of a large network of underground threads known as mycelium, which is essential for the breakdown of organic materials. This breakdown process recycles nutrients back into the soil, promoting healthy ecosystems. Mushrooms are usually short-lived and emerge from the mycelium when the conditions are right for reproduction.
• Mushrooms have been appreciated across civilizations for their distinct flavor and texture. From the delicate earthiness of cremini to the meaty taste of portobello, they are versatile in cooking. The most popular variety, button mushrooms, is a global staple that can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. Shiitake mushrooms add umami depth to Asian recipes, whereas oyster mushrooms have a satisfyingly meaty texture. More adventurous palates can try specialist kinds such as chanterelles, which have an apricot-like aroma, or coveted truffles, renowned as the “diamonds of the kitchen.”
• Mushrooms provide numerous benefits in addition to their gastronomic value. Medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi and lion’s mane, have been used in traditional medicine for generations and are now garnering scientific attention for their possible health benefits. According to studies, they may help enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. Although research is ongoing, the potential of mushrooms to promote overall well-being is an exciting subject to investigate.
• The fungal world is rich in mushroom diversity, with estimates indicating that millions of species remain undiscovered. They appear in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the classic capped umbrellas and the fluffy coral mushrooms. Some bioluminescent types even give forth an eerie glow at night. This incredible diversity demonstrates fungi’s resilience since they thrive in a variety of habitats ranging from wet woods to parched deserts.
• While some mushrooms grow wild and require foraging expertise, commercial cultivation accounts for a sizable amount of the market. This ensures consistent supply and quality control. Controlled temperature and humidity provide optimum conditions for specific mushroom kinds to thrive.
• With an increasing emphasis on sustainability and healthy eating, mushrooms are poised for future expansion. They use less land and water than traditional agriculture, making them a more sustainable option. Furthermore, their adaptability and possible health benefits appeal to an increasing number of health-conscious shoppers. Research into innovative growth techniques, as well as the investigation of lesser-known kinds, promise to help this fascinating kingdom realize its full potential.
• Mushrooms may be a gourmet delight, a potential health benefit, or simply a monument to the incredible diversity of life on Earth. From the familiar to the exotic, the world of mushrooms provides an intriguing journey of exploration.

Mushroom Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the mushroom market include

Key Market Drivers

• Rising Health Tide Consumers globally are prioritizing health and wellbeing, increasing in demand for nutritious and functional foods. Mushrooms tick all of the proper boxes. They are high in important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and some types may enhance the immune system and reduce inflammation. This is entirely consistent with the increased interest in preventative healthcare and overall well-being.
• Plant-Powered Plates The global vegan and vegetarian movement is driving demand for meat substitutes. Mushrooms, known for their meaty texture and umami flavor profile, are becoming increasingly popular. They provide vegetarians and vegans with a balanced protein diet while also meeting the craving for delicious and satisfying meat replacements. This tendency is projected to continue, driving mushroom market expansion.
• Culinary Canvas Cravings Mushrooms are no longer limited to the side of the plate. Mushrooms have enormous culinary possibilities, which adventurous chefs and home cooks are discovering. From earthy porcini in gourmet meals to flexible portobellos in vegetarian burgers, their distinct flavors and textures are bringing excitement to menus. This greater appreciation for mushrooms’ culinary diversity is leading to rising consumer demand.
• Sustainable Spotlight Environmental consciousness is influencing consumer decisions, and the mushroom sector benefits from its eco-friendliness. Mushroom production requires much less land, water, and resources than typical agriculture. Mushrooms can also be cultivated using waste resources such as agricultural waste, which promotes sustainability and waste reduction. This appeals to people looking for environmentally friendly food options.
• Functional Food Frenzy The concept of “functional foods” – those that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition – is gaining popularity. Mushrooms, with their ability to increase immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function, are well-suited to this trend. Research into the therapeutic characteristics of many mushroom kinds is ongoing, and the potential health advantages are generating a lot of consumer interest.
• Global Gourmet Cravings The growing popularity of international cuisines, particularly those from Asia, is fueling demand for specialized mushrooms such as shiitake and enoki. These types provide distinct flavors and textures, elevating culinary experiences. As consumers expand their palates, demand for specialized mushrooms is likely to surge, fueling market growth.
• Convenience Culture Cravings Modern lifestyles require convenience, and the mushroom industry is adjusting. Pre-washed, pre-sliced, and ready-to-cook choices are becoming more common, catering to busy customers. Furthermore, online grocery shopping with home delivery allows for easier access to a broader range of fresh and specialized mushrooms, which fuels market growth.

Key Challenges

• Perishable Product, Fragile Profits Mushrooms have a short shelf life. This offers a huge challenge to both manufacturers and retailers. Maintaining adequate storage conditions throughout the supply chain is critical for reducing spoilage and ensuring product quality. Inefficient handling or temperature variations might result in waste, reducing profitability and possibly increasing consumer prices.
• Grocery Store Knowledge Gap Mushrooms other than the usual white button kind may be foreign to some customers. A lack of understanding of various varieties, storage methods, and cooking ways might cause reluctance and limit research. Bridging the knowledge gap is critical for both merchants and growers. Educational activities and proper labeling can help customers make educated decisions and maximize the potential of mushrooms in their kitchens.
• Competition from Cultivated Meats The rising market for cultivated meat, which are lab-grown alternatives to animal protein, could pose a challenge to mushrooms as meat substitutes. While mushrooms are a natural and ecological alternative, grown meat is rapidly evolving and may appeal to people looking for a more “meat-like” experience.
• Seasonality’s Influence Some mushroom kinds can be grown all year, while others are only available during specific seasons. This might cause variations in availability and pricing, thereby irritating customers and affecting meal planning. Developing innovative cultivation techniques and investigating storage options are critical to addressing this difficulty and guaranteeing a steady supply throughout the year.
• The Misunderstood Mycobiome Despite their growing popularity, some people still have misconceptions about mushrooms. Concerns regarding wild mushroom identification and potential toxicity might cause hesitation, especially when it comes to trying new types. Educational efforts to dispel misunderstandings and promote the safety of commercially grown mushrooms are critical for growing the market and consumer base.

Key Trends

• From Humble to Haute Cuisine Mushrooms are losing their reputation as a low-cost side dish and gaining center stage on menus. Fine dining venues highlight the gastronomic diversity of specialist variations. Chefs are experimenting with different textures and flavors, ranging from earthy truffles to delicate chanterelles. This gourmet shift is raising the profile of mushrooms and increasing demand for premium kinds.
• Functional Fungi Flourish The market is experiencing a spike in interest in functional mushrooms, which are thought to provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition. Lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga are gaining popularity due to their ability to increase immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. This trend is being driven by increased scientific study and public interest in preventative healthcare and overall well-being.
• Mycelium Mania The focus is not solely on the fruiting body of fungi. Mycelium, the root-like network that supports mushrooms, is emerging as a game changer in a variety of industries. Its possible applications include sustainable packaging, bioremediation, and the creation of leather replacements. This renewed emphasis on the numerous applications of mycelium is creating new opportunities for market expansion and innovation.
• Home Culture Craze Home mushroom culture kits are gaining popularity due to a demand for fresh, local produce and an increased interest in urban gardening. These kits enable anyone to cultivate their mushrooms, ranging from oyster mushrooms to cremini, in a simple and space-saving manner. This trend encourages a relationship with the food source, promotes sustainability, and offers a pleasant and instructive exercise for the family.
• Going Online for Gourmet Fungi Online grocery shopping with home delivery is changing the way people buy mushrooms. This e-commerce growth expands access to a broader range of fresh and specialized mushrooms, especially in areas with few brick-and-mortar options. Furthermore, internet platforms can include instructional resources and recipes, allowing customers to fully explore the possibilities of mushrooms in their culinary excursions.

Mushroom Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the mushroom market

Asia Pacific

• The crown for the largest mushroom producer and consumer undeniably belongs to the Asia Pacific region. This dominance is deeply rooted in cultural and culinary traditions. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea have a long history of incorporating mushrooms into their diets, with per capita consumption in China reaching a staggering 10 kg annually.
• Mushrooms are not just a food source in Asia, but a deeply ingrained part of the culinary culture. Varieties like shiitake, enoki, and wood ear mushrooms are essential ingredients in countless traditional dishes. This familiarity and established demand fuel a thriving market.
• Many commercially cultivated mushrooms favor warm and humid conditions, which are prevalent across much of Asia. This allows for efficient and cost-effective production, further bolstering the region’s dominance.
• Several Asian governments recognize the economic potential of the mushroom industry and provide support through subsidies and infrastructure development. This fosters a favorable environment for mushroom cultivation and market expansion.

North America

• While North America currently holds the second-largest market share, it’s experiencing rapid growth driven by a confluence of factors.
• North Americans are increasingly prioritizing healthy eating, and the versatility and potential health benefits of mushrooms resonate with this trend. Consumers are exploring mushrooms for their nutritional content, immune-boosting properties, and potential role in preventative healthcare.
• The burgeoning vegan and vegetarian movement in North America is creating a significant demand for meat alternatives. Mushrooms, with their meaty texture and umami flavor profile, are emerging as a popular choice, driving market expansion.
• North American consumers are becoming more adventurous with their palates, seeking out unique and exotic mushroom varieties. This is driving demand for specialty mushrooms like lion’s mane, maitake, and chanterelles, previously confined to niche markets.
• North American growers are embracing innovative cultivation techniques like controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming. This allows for increased efficiency, year-round production, and potentially better quality control.

Europe

• Europe boasts a well-established mushroom market with a strong focus on quality and consistency. However, its growth trajectory is slightly slower compared to Asia Pacific and North America.
• Europe is a major consumer of mushrooms but relies heavily on imports to meet demand. This presents an opportunity for domestic production to expand and capture a larger market share.
• European consumers have a refined palate and appreciate high-quality, gourmet mushrooms. This market segment is expected to show continued growth as consumers seek out unique and flavorful varieties.
• European consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious. The sustainable nature of mushroom cultivation, requiring less land and water compared to traditional agriculture, resonates with this trend and could further propel market growth.

Mushroom Market Segmentation Analysis

The mushroom market is segmented based on Type of Mushroom, Application, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

Mushroom Market, By Type of Mushroom

• Button Mushrooms
• Shiitake Mushrooms
• Oyster Mushrooms
• Portobello Mushrooms

So, the mushroom market's basically divided into four main playersButton, Shiitake, Oyster, and Portobello mushrooms. Experts are saying that your classic button mushroom will probably stay on top from 2024 to 2031—they're cheap, easy to grow, and everyone knows them. But don't count out the others! Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are expected to become much more popular. Shiitakes have already got a foothold in Asian cooking and might have some health benefits, while oyster mushrooms are easy to farm and have a cool texture. Portobellos, known for being kinda meaty, might not grow as fast since they basically come from grown-up button mushrooms. Basically, people are getting more adventurous with their food, looking for new tastes and maybe even some health perks, but they still love their regular button mushrooms.

Mushroom Market, By Application

• Food Processing
• Food Service
• Retail
• Pharmaceuticals

So, when it comes to how mushrooms are being used, the market breaks down into a few key areasFood Processing, Food Service, Retail, and Pharmaceuticals. Our analysts think Retail will be the biggest piece of the pie from 2024 to 2031. Why? Because more and more people are interested in eating healthy and whipping up quick meals. You see more fresh, pre-washed, and sliced mushrooms these days, which is perfect for busy lives and makes cooking with them at home super easy. While using mushrooms in processed foods is going to help that area grow, it might not grow as fast as retail. And sure, Food Service uses tons of mushrooms in all sorts of dishes, but the restaurant world can be a bit unpredictable. Pharmaceuticals is interesting because of the potential health benefits of mushrooms, but it's still pretty new and probably won't catch up to the others anytime soon. Basically, people want mushrooms to be easily available and easy to use in their everyday cooking, and other sectors have potential, too.

Mushroom Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retail

So, when it comes to where you can buy mushrooms, the market breaks down into places like Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, and of course, Online Retail. We're seeing that those big Hypermarkets and Supermarkets will probably stay on top for mushroom sales through 2024-2031. They just have a ton of fresh and pre-packaged options at good prices, which is what most people are used to. Now, buying online will likely grow the quickest, since it's so easy and you can find some really unique mushroom types there. But, it might still be tough to beat the reach that supermarkets already have. Convenience stores, while handy for a quick grab, might not have a lot of different kinds due to space. And those Specialty Stores? They're great for health nuts hunting down unusual mushrooms, but they might be a bit pricier, so their customer base could be smaller. Basically, it looks like Hypermarkets and Supermarkets will be where most folks buy their mushrooms, while online and specialty shops find their own little corners focusing on ease and special selections.

Mushroom Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America

So, when we look at different parts of the world, we can divide the mushroom market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. It looks like Asia Pacific is going to be the big player from 2024 to 2031. They've got a long history of using mushrooms in their food, especially in places like China and India, so people are already used to eating them. Plus, they're really good at growing mushrooms there! North America and Europe should see some nice growth too, since people are getting more into healthy eating and trying new things. However, they already eat less and depend on imports from Asia Pacific, so they'll be behind. The rest of the world has some interesting markets that are starting to grow as people learn about the health benefits of mushrooms and have more money to spend. But, it will take time for them to catch up, as they need better farming and infrastructure. All in all, tradition, how good you are at growing mushrooms, and what customers want really shape how the mushroom market looks across different regions.

Key Players

The “Mushroom Market” study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Monaghan Mushrooms Ltd., The Mushroom Company, Phillips Mushroom Farms, Bonduelle SA, Monterey Mushrooms Inc., Costa Group Holdings Limited, Okechamp S.A., Scelta Mushrooms BV, Funguys Gourmet, and Shanghai Fengke Biological Technology Co., Ltd.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Mushroom Market Recent Developments

• In May 2020, Meati Foods, an Israeli company, secured $13 million in funding to develop its innovative mycoprotein, a complete protein source derived from fungi. This marks a significant investment in the potential of mushrooms as a meat alternative.
• In December 2023, The Kroger Company, one of the largest supermarket chains in the US, launched a new line of private-label gourmet mushrooms to cater to rising consumer interest in specialty varieties. This highlights the growing demand for unique and flavorful mushrooms beyond the white button variety.
• In August 2023, Impossible Foods, a leading plant-based meat company, announced a partnership with MycoTechnology to develop and launch new meat alternatives using fungal ingredients. This collaboration signifies a major player in the alternative meat sector recognizing the potential of mushrooms.
• In January 2024, Estonian startup Fungible raised €3.1 million to scale up its production of mycelium-based leather alternatives for the fashion industry. This development showcases the expanding applications of mushrooms beyond the food sector, with the potential for sustainable material production.
• In April 2024, Scelta Mushrooms, a leading Dutch mushroom producer, announced a €20 million investment to expand its production capacity and meet the growing demand for organic mushrooms. This reflects the increasing consumer interest in organic and sustainable food options.

Report Scope

Research Methodology of Market Research