Bill Litvin, regional sales and national account manager for Giorgio Fresh, headquartered in Temple, PA, said the popular trend in the mushroom category, which is currently being promoted by the Mushroom Council, is the idea of Swapability.

“Consumers are encouraged to eat healthier by swapping out an ingredient in a standard meal with mushrooms, or using mushrooms as a topping,” said Litvin. “This can include topping a burger with a Portabella mushroom, chopping up mushrooms and combining them with meat to create a unique burger and many more ways.”

Litvin added that by encouraging consumers to Swap It or Top It, they are eager to find new ways to consume mushrooms at every meal.

Giorgio Fresh’s eight-ounce white mushroom pack.“These specific trends in the mushroom category have all helped contribute to sustained growth in the mushroom category,” noted Litvin. “Because of these trends, consumers are doing their homework and are constantly searching for locally grown products to support their state and local economies. This makes mushroom products, like our organic options, consistent sellers.”

Litvin said that the mushroom category is fortunate to not have felt the effects of the current economic state of the United States. Throughout this downturn, the mushroom category continues to see high demand and sustained growth.

“According to the latest shipment report from the Mushroom Council, through the end of April of this year there was a 5.2 percent increase in mushroom shipments in the United States compared to the same time period in 2012,” said Litvin. “Because of this, the Mushroom Council has predicted that if this progress continues, the mushroom category will have a record-breaking year for the greatest annual shipment increment in history.”

Giorgio, Litvin pointed out, is proud to help promote the Mushroom Council’s Swap It or Top It recipe contest campaign by pairing up with retailers and showcasing promotional items near its products in the produce aisle.

“These promotional items include channel strips, shelf danglers and posters,” said Litvin.

Giorgio Fresh has evolved to perfect the environment for growing mushrooms from its start in the 1920s. Virtually all of its mushrooms are grown and handpicked on one of its three mushroom-growing farms. The company produces millions of pounds of mushrooms that mature in growing houses equipped with the latest technology, such as air filtration and humidity control. This ideal controlled environment enables the company to pick every mushroom at the optimum point of maturity.