After Challenging Year, Chester County Mushroom Growers Optimistic About 2023
After a challenging year, Chester County mushroom growers and nationwide have a positive outlook for the industry in 2023, writes Tom Burfield for The Packer.
Mushroom sales dropped by four percent for the 2021-2022 crop to $1.02 billion compared to the previous season. Volume also fell by seven percent to 702 million pounds.
According to Sean Steller, director of business development for Kennett Square-based Phillips Mushroom Farms, everything was hard to come by at times last season, including compost input, packaging materials, and especially labor.
“There’s just not a ton of people available for all the labor across the area,” said Steller.
However, things are already improving. Michael Richmond, vice president of sales for South Mill Champs in Kennett Square is optimistic about the coming months.
“Indications are that January through June will be drastically improved for compost quality and mushroom yields,” he said.
Kevin Delaney, vice president of sales and marketing at Avondale’s To-Jo Mushrooms is also looking forward to a better 2023.
“We are expecting great yields during the first two quarters, so we will be looking to continue the momentum of growing the categories for our partners,” he said.
Read more about the mushroom market predictions in The Packer.
Connect With Your Community
Subscribe to stay informed!
"*" indicates required fields