UMDIS recently reached out to Sergio Santiago, the commercial manager responsible for exports at Neofungi, to learn more about the company’s production growth for the 2023-2024 season. Neofungi, is part of the larger Champinter and Mercajucar groups, and a leading mushroom producer in Spain for over 50 years.
Sergio shared that by the end of 2024, Neofungi increased its production by 10%. This growth will help the company meet the rising demand for mushrooms, particularly in Spain, Portugal, and France.
“We’re excited about the growth we’ve experienced this year, and by the end of December, we’ll be able to produce around 10% more mushrooms than we currently do,” said Sergio. “This increase will allow us to better meet the growing demand from our customers while maintaining the quality we’re known for.”
The production boost is made possible by significant investments in upgrading Neofungi’s compost plant and the increasing demand for mushrooms across Europe. “Better compost means healthier mushrooms, and healthier mushrooms mean better products for our customers,” Sergio explained. “Additionally, we’ve seen steady growth in demand, not just in Spain, but also in neighboring countries like Portugal and France. It’s a combination of market growth and our ability to capture a larger share.”
We also asked about the most popular products and current trends in the Spanish market. Sergio shared that Neofungi’s customers appreciate the wide variety of products the company offers, and the company works hard to meet those needs. Both white and brown mushrooms remain popular, and Neofungi offers them in different packaging types to cater to various customer preferences. Additionally, sliced mushrooms are in high demand, especially in retail and food service. Sergio pointed out a growing trend in the Spanish market toward more sustainable and locally sourced products. “That’s why we’re so proud of our commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting our local community,” he said.
When asked about Champinter and its position in the market, Sergio explained that Neofungi’s success is largely due to its cooperative model. By being involved in every part of the production process—from composting to packaging—Neofungi can ensure the highest quality and consistency in its mushrooms. “This control over the entire process helps us guarantee fresh, top-quality products for our customers,” Sergio added. Neofungi is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility, values that set the company apart in the market and help strengthen its ties with the local community. Neofungi currently holds about 50% of the fresh mushroom market in Spain, making it a market leader. “We’re proud of our position in the market,” Sergio said. “With this expansion, we expect to capture an even larger share.”
You can learn more about Neofungi by visiting their website at neofungi.com.
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