In 2021, Frédéric, a former pharmaceutical technician, and Kai, a wine and spirits merchant, opened their mushroom farm in Juillac-le-Coq (Charente), starting with a production of shiitakes, known in Asia as the mushrooms of longevity, thanks to their many health benefits. They now also grow oyster and morel mushrooms on their farm.
Frédéric and Kai Barge
3,000m² of shiitake and oyster mushrooms and 2 hectares of morels
The company, which will celebrate its 3rd anniversary this year, grows shiitake and oyster mushrooms in 9 greenhouses of 3,000m². The company currently produces 1 ton of shiitakes a week, and from December this year, almost 2 tons of oyster mushrooms will be harvested every day.
The mushrooms are grown on log-shaped blocks of substrate made from oak sawdust and straw. Cultivation requires very specific conditions: a minimum temperature of 12°C and high humidity (between 90 and 95%). "If all these conditions are met, the mushrooms are ready to be harvested after a month," explains Frédéric Barge.
The popularity of mushrooms in France (especially fresh shiitake mushrooms which are usually imported from Poland and Spain) has soared in recent years, but the demand has been steady or even stagnant in recent months. "This is because the market is generally lacking in dynamism, as is the case for many fresh products, especially as more and more farmers take up mushroom production," explains Kai Barge.
Cham B grows morels on 2 hectares. No less than 10 tons are expected by March 2025.
Cham B wants to produce its own mycelium
Although Cham B initially bought its substrate (in France), Frédéric and Kai Barge are currently setting up their own mycelium production facility, due to the problems with diseases and pests that affect the growing rooms and impact both quantity and quality. This new workshop, which will be operational from December 2024, will enable them to "control the quality of the mushrooms from beginning to end," explains Kai Barge. The two managers are not compromising on quality. "We already supply operators at Rungis, and customer feedback is unanimous: they are very satisfied with the quality of our products."
For more information:
Frédéric and Kai Barge
Cham B
Lieu dit 'L'échalote'
152 Rue Du Pic Vert
16130 Juillac-Le-Coq
[email protected]