According to recent research released in a market forecast report prepared by Research and Markets, globally, the Shiitake mushroom market was projected to be the fastest growing segment of mushrooms from 2014 to 2019.

Bill Litvin, senior vice president of sales and national account manager for Giorgio Fresh, headquartered in Temple, PA, said with this forecast in site, the company is now paying close attention to domestic, regional and local sales growth for this segment to track the trend and be prepared to meet consumer and customer demands.

The Shiitake mushroom market was projected to be the fastest growing segment of mushrooms from 2014 to 2019, according to recent research. (Photos courtesy of Giorgio Fresh)“We feel the specialty mushroom segment, specifically the Shiitakes, are seeing an increase in this trend due to consumers becoming more familiar with the specialty variety of mushrooms that are available to them and the active promotion of how to utilize these mushrooms in side dishes and entrees,” said Litvin. “Together, consumers are getting creative with their recipes and meal planning to incorporate these unique mushrooms onto their plates.”

The report further noted that in terms of types, button mushrooms are projected to have the largest market globally during the same time period that Shiitakes will lead in the fastest growing category.

The mushroom market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.5 percent between 2014 and 2019.

“We grow and ship a wide range of specialty variety fresh mushrooms, such as Maitakes, Enoki, Beech, Shiitake, Oyster, Pom Pom mushrooms and more,” added Litvin. “Our fresh mushrooms are distributed from Maine to Florida, west to Iowa, Minnesota and Montana. And we have joint venture in Mexico shipping into Texas.”

Giorgio Fresh’s brand names include “Pennsylvania Dutchman,” “Modern Farms” and “Green Giant Fresh,” in addition to an extensive list of products that fall under the “Giorgio” name.

Trends in mushrooms are right in line with other fresh produce categories. Litvin said that sustainability is on the trend table today.

“Giorgio has implemented a corporate sustainability program to oversee activities in all Giorgio companies,” he pointed out. “It is a mandated program for each Giorgio division, and is something we take very seriously.”

The company keeps an active eye on its sustainability program through various initiatives, including waste reduction and cycling, water conservation, energy conservation, pesticide and fungicide reduction, buying recycled tills as well as constantly monitoring its transportation fleet for ways to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

“The mushroom industry continues to post steady sales and signs of stable growth,” said Litvin. “We have seen sales steadily increase in the past month and year overall within the specialty category in our industry.”