{"id":762,"date":"2023-08-10T06:22:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T06:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/magote.hu\/?p=762"},"modified":"2023-09-22T10:06:59","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T10:06:59","slug":"az-emelkedo-elelmiszerarak-ellenere-a-fogyasztok-tovabbra-is-a-sokoldalu-gombat-valasztjak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/magote.hu\/en\/2023\/08\/10\/az-emelkedo-elelmiszerarak-ellenere-a-fogyasztok-tovabbra-is-a-sokoldalu-gombat-valasztjak\/","title":{"rendered":"Despite rising food costs, consumers continue to reach for the versatile mushroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s something inherently \u201cextra\u201d about mushrooms. Sure, they slay as a flavorful and more affordable substitute for meat, but they also offer health benefits galore, play well in a variety of diets and cook quickly.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And while mushrooms aren\u2019t entirely inflation-proof, retailers can capitalize on current trends to drive sales in the category.<\/p>\n

\u201cMushroom sales are following the patterns seen in the produce department [and] the grocery store in its entirety,\u201d said Anne-Marie Roerink, principal and founder of 210 Analytics. \u201cMeaning the tremendous amount of economic pressure is causing consumers to carefully balance what lands in their shopping baskets.\u201d But despite volume pressure in the category and throughout the store, when it comes to fresh mushrooms, \u201cthere are quite a number of bright spots and interesting trends,\u201d Roerink added. One such trend is the power of sales promotions to not only bolster mushroom sales but to drive shoppers to a particular store.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsumers are very interested in sales promotions and show a greater willingness to add another store into the mix to capitalize on good deals,\u201d Roerink said. \u201cThe mushroom retailing industry is responding by increasing the number of promotions. Over the past 52 weeks ending mid-June, 17% of total fresh mushroom dollars were sold on promotion, which was up 13.5% versus the year-ago levels, according to data insights firm Circana.\u201d<\/p>\n

And while white mushrooms still dominate category sales, specialty mushrooms offer opportunities for further growth.<\/p>\n

According to data from Circana, Integrated Fresh for the four weeks ending June 18, 2023, white mushrooms represent 52.3% of mushroom dollars or $48.7 million in sales; brown mushroom sales are flat at $39.4 million; but at $5.1 million, sales of specialty mushrooms are up 5.3% from the year prior.<\/p>\n

THE SPIKE IN SPECIALTY
\n<\/strong>What\u2019s moving the needle on specialty mushrooms?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFoodies are ever-growing in numbers and they love mushrooms \u2014 specialty mushrooms to be exact,\u201d said Roerink, adding that retailers that carry more types and variety packs of specialty mushrooms are helping drive the subcategory.<\/p>\n

\u201cDollar sales of specialty mushrooms increased 5.4% over the past 52 weeks and pounds increased by 1.9%,\u201d Roerink said. \u201cThis highlights a bigger trend seen in produce and retail altogether.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile there is a tremendous focus on value, it is not a race to the bottom,\u201d she continued. \u201cConsumers are still making room in their wallets for a premium experience, an everyday escape or something nice for themselves or their families. And that\u2019s mushrooms\u2019 superpower: the ability to premiumize a meal \u2014 something we see in foodservice all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

At Pennsylvania-based Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms, Meghan Klotzbach, vice president sales, marketing and operations, also sees growing demand for specialty varieties, particularly those that offer functional nutrition.<\/p>\n

\u201cExotic or specialty mushrooms are very hot right now,\u201d Klotzbach told The Packer. \u201cWhile white and crimini mushrooms are still the top varieties sold, many of the exotic mushrooms are increasing in sales.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have seen a large spike in [sales of] oyster and lion\u2019s mane mushrooms this year,\u201d Klotzbach continued. \u201cThere is so much research being done on lion\u2019s mane especially due to the brain health properties they have. Consumers are looking to food for health benefits more than they have in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response to the trend, Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms has launched two new retail items this year, including a 3.5-ounce Organic Lion\u2019s Mane and an 8-ounce Organic Mother\u2019s Harvest \u2014 a blend of exotic mushrooms that may include lion\u2019s mane, oyster, pioppino, maitake and royal trumpet mushrooms.<\/p>\n

Sean Steller, director of business development for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, Pa., also sees increased interest in functional mushrooms and varieties with potential health benefits.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe No. 1 mushroom we are asked about is lion\u2019s mane,\u201d Steller said. \u201cWhat is it? What does it taste like? Where can I find it?<\/p>\n

\u201cLion\u2019s mane is a soft mushroom with a mane-like texture that absorbs flavor during cooking and [works] as a seafood complement or replacement,\u201d he explained. \u201cMy favorite recipe is lion\u2019s mane \u2018crab\u2019 dip \u2014 no crab necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING STORY<\/strong><\/em>
\nRecent data for organic mushrooms also reveals growth opportunities.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe continue to see strength for organic mushrooms,\u201d Roerink said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrganic is about 10% of pound sales and reflects an increase of 3.0% in dollars and 0.4% of pounds,\u201d she said, pointing to Circana data.<\/p>\n

Steller agrees. \u201cOrganic mushrooms continue to grow in popularity,\u201d he said. \u201cSome retailers are even switching to all-organic options to reduce shelf space requirements and choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, while die-hard organic consumers continue to buy, Klotzbach sees the impact of inflation on organic mushrooms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that people who are heavy organic shoppers and purchase most of their food organically are still purchasing organic, but the light to moderate organic purchasers seem to move more towards conventional mushrooms when inflation is high,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

To make the price of organics more appealing, Phillips Mushroom Farms has created new 4-ounce organic sliced mushrooms packages that introduce a lower price point and single-serving size. Its 4-ounce Organic Sliced White and 4-ounce Organic Sliced Crimini are available in 12-pack cases.<\/p>\n

During inflationary times, consumers may need a nudge to put organic produce in their baskets. Here\u2019s where sustainable storytelling comes into play. Fortunately, mushrooms have a worthwhile story to tell.<\/p>\n

\u201cMushrooms are recognized as one of the most sustainable foods grown in the U.S.,\u201d said Bryan Shelton, vice president of sales and marketing for Giorgio Fresh Co., Temple, Pa. \u201cAt Giorgio, we have implemented innovative practices that not only minimize waste but also promote a regenerative cycle within the agricultural ecosystem.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mushroom growing operations take agricultural waste and convert it into a nutritious substrate on which mushrooms are grown,\u201d Shelton continued. \u201cAfter use, this organic matter is sent to farmers\u2019 fields as a soil amendment, paving the way for a regenerative cycle. By using agricultural waste as a resource, Giorgio effectively diverts it from landfills and reduces the overall environmental impact associated with waste disposal.\u201d<\/p>\n

STUFFED TO THE GILLS<\/strong><\/em>
\nValue-added offerings are also creating additional excitement in the mushroom category.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhether merchandised in the produce, meat or deli departments, stuffed mushrooms are doing tremendously well as they check so many of today\u2019s food trend boxes,\u201d Roerink said.<\/p>\n

She sees retailers leveraging package innovations in stuffed mushrooms to drive double-digit sales gains. Packages that are ready to go into the microwave, oven or air fryer are capturing the attention of retailers and consumers alike.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral retailers, including Wegmans and Safeway, are also highlighting the option to put stuffed mushrooms on the grill,\u201d Roerink said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s, of course, another place where mushrooms shine in the summer on kebabs, steaks and burgers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roerink reports that stuffed and stuffer mushrooms have garnered $69 million in sales over the past year, up 29% from 2019. Still more impressive, the $49 million in sales for stuffed mushrooms in the produce department represents an increase of 192% over the past five years, with units up 135%, she said.<\/p>\n

But the produce department isn\u2019t the only destination for these coveted plant-forward and convenient items. In the meat department, stuffed mushroom sales are rapidly increasing too, at more than 82.9%, Roerink said. Stuffed mushrooms have nabbed another more than 63.8% for dollar sales increases in the deli department.<\/p>\n

Giorgio Fresh aims to deliver on flavor and convenience with its selection of stuffed mushrooms.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsumers can discover a delectable array of flavors with our wide selection of stuffed mushrooms designed to simplify meal preparation,\u201d Shelton said. \u201cWith the convenient heat-and-serve cooking method, extensive prep work becomes a thing of the past.\u201d<\/p>\n

SLOW FOOD THAT\u2019S FAST<\/em><\/strong>
\nSeptember is filled with opportunities to promote fungi. Not only does the month kick off the back-to-school season, it\u2019s also National Mushroom Month.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a busy, hectic time for consumers, so launching in September and in the months to follow, we\u2019re showcasing how mushrooms make meals easier with an all new \u2018Real Fast. Real Food. Mushroom Meals in Minutes\u2019 promotion, said Eric Davis, spokesperson for the Mushroom Council of Lee\u2019s Summit, Mo.<\/p>\n

Mushroom Council aims to tackle consumers\u2019 time-starved schedules by presenting satisfying meal ideas that are convenient and easy to prepare.<\/p>\n

\u201cBased on that data, our content will focus on quick recipes and convenience to support our audiences\u2019 busy lifestyles,\u201d Davis said. \u201cThe campaign centers around the idea of \u2018fast food,\u2019 not in the traditional sense, but in your own kitchen, made with mushrooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Highlights of the campaign include:<\/p>\n