Sample eight fresh mushroom varieties at Phillips Mushroom

As a leader in mushroom production, Kennett Square, PA-based Phillips Mushroom Farms knows what it takes to be successful. After all, the company has been growing mushroom since 1927.

That means getting out and talking with customers, and there’s no better place to do that this time of year than at the New York Produce Show & Conference.

“Phillips Mushroom Farms will be exhibiting this year with a display of fresh mushroom items,” said Sean Steller, director of business development for the company. “This is a great show with many buyers from the Northeast, but also across the country. It brings together industry leaders during a key holiday time to celebrate another year, and plan for 2023.”

For those stopping by Phillips Mushroom’s booth No. 512, they will be treated to samples on display of all eight fresh varieties the company grows — White, Baby Bella, Portabella, Shiitake, Oyster, Royal Trumpet, Maitake and Lion’s Mane.

“A successful show includes connecting with current and future customers, and networking with the best and brightest in the industry,” Steller said.

Business this year has been unique, with Steller nothing that 2022 requires a more nuanced analysis than just comparing this year to last year.

“2020 and 2021 mushroom sales were heavily impacted by COVID-19 trends, increased retail consumption but depressed foodservice sales,” he said. “In 2022, we have experienced a decline in retail sales compared to 2021, but foodservice has really started bouncing back in many areas. We anticipate a strong holiday season as mushrooms remain popular across menus and dining room tables.”

Something exciting around the company is the trend and growing interest in dried mushrooms.

“We have added drying capacity at our location to dehydrate fresh mushrooms and make them available for your favorite soup or stir-fry recipe,” Steller said. “This is a really great shelf-stable option.”

Mushrooms continue to grow in popularity as consumers learn more about the nutritional benefits, flavor, and sustainability story. In the most recent data, only 52 percent of American households eat mushrooms regularly; therefore, the biggest opportunity for Phillips Mushroom Farms remains adding new consumers who have never tried mushrooms or haven’t been exposed to innovative cooking techniques like the Blend.

The Phillips family remains committed to investing in increased production to meet the growing demand for high quality, fresh mushrooms.

“This year, a new growing facility started production, increasing our weekly harvest capacity by 200,000 pounds,” Steller said about the Jennersville, PA-based 250,000-square-foot facility. “We are evaluating expansion plans with space available at both our Maryland and Pennsylvania location for further growth.”