National mushroom production increases, as well as imports

The demand for mushrooms in Switzerland has increased considerably in the last 5 years. National production has increased and imports as well.

 

According to data from the FOAG (Federal Office of Agriculture), between January and October 2021, Switzerland produced 6,859 tons of fresh white mushrooms, compared to an annual average of 6,060 tons in the period 2017 to 2020.

 

The health crisis did not have a negative impact on the sector because domestic consumption largely replaced the demand from restaurants that closed temporarily. Thus, in 2021 retailers sold more white mushrooms between January and October 2021 than in all of 2019.

 

Swiss production has increased and so have imports. Between January and October 2021, Switzerland imported 3,714 tonnes of white mushrooms, more than in all of 2018. This imported volume shows a spectacular increase compared to the volumes recorded in previous years, such as 1,941 tonnes (recorded in 2011 and 2012) and 663 tonnes (recorded in 2002 and 2003).

 

Swiss production is not limited to white mushrooms, but also includes other species that contribute to the diversification of the sector but have lower volumes, such as shiitake (66 tons in 2021), oyster mushrooms (61 tons in 2021) .