The domestic mushroom market is concentrating: the number of producers has dropped to under a hundred, exports remain strong

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 02. 26. 11:35

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Hungarian mushroom production remains a significant sector: tens of thousands of tons of mushrooms are produced domestically every year, a significant portion of which is exported. At the same time, the number of producers has shrunk dramatically: the number of producers has dropped from several hundred companies to less than a hundred – mainly due to rising energy prices and rising costs, writes Agrárszektor.

The global mushroom market is expected to grow at an annual rate of almost 10% over the next eight years, according to forecasts

At the same time, concentration is increasing in the market: the share of larger plants operating with modern technology is increasing, and economies of scale have appreciated.

The backbone of domestic production continues to be champignon mushrooms, while demand for oyster mushrooms is stable, while interest in special varieties (such as shiitake) is gradually increasing, but their proportion remains small. According to the National Chamber of Agriculture, mushrooms can be grown sustainably: they require low water (approximately 3–4 liters/kg), and by-products are also utilized in the cultivation (straw, chicken and horse manure), and the compost produced can also be used as a soil improver.

Domestic demand is stable, but consumption lags behind the EU average: the domestic average is approx. 1.5 kg/capita/year, compared to the EU level of ~3 kg/capita/year. The sector is a net exporter overall: imports are typically limited to special products and to make up for seasonal shortages.