The holidays had a positive effect on the demand for shiitake mushrooms in Europe, says Vincenzo Salento, head of sales Europe for Ukrainian shiitake producer and exporter Nature Green: "Demand for shiitake mushrooms has had the typical seasonal trend. During the summer, demand is lower, but this year was better than it was in the year 2023. Overall, this resulted in better prices for the shiitake mushrooms than last year. Starting in October, with the lower temperatures across Europe in mind, demand increased significantly and prices went up further."
Prices have increased as a result of the holiday demand, but this hasn't stopped the sales at all, Salento explains. "For us, the production is in line with forecasts, after some difficulties caused by the summer substrate. As of this year, the Nature Green line-up now includes grey, king, and colorful oysters. Demand is brisk at the moment and the festive season boosted sales and pushed prices up. The target markets are Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. Every week, we deliver a full truckload. The main sales channel is food service, but we also supply local supermarkets."
As the war in Ukraine has not come to a resolution yet, power outages are still common according to Salento: "The biggest challenge we face with the current war in mind is the constant power outages. We cope with this using a powerful generator. However, this has resulted in a lower yield and therefore lower volumes available for sale. Prices in 2024 were better than in 2023, despite strong competition from China. We reacted by working hard on the whole supply chain, to offer a best-in-class product and always organic for a better customer experience."
"Looking ahead, we expect a positive second half of the season. To keep energy costs under control and have higher quality standards, we recently installed an advanced solar system, generating our own energy. For next month, we'll be present at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. I will be available to meet customers and partners, to give them the latest updates," Salento concludes.
For more information:
Vincenzo Salento
Nature Green
Mobile: +31 6 275 131 99
Email: [email protected]
www.naturegreen.eu