Mushrooms in the Spotlight

According to the episode ‘Inside M&S at Christmas’ on ITV1, Marks & Spencer is exploring the rapidly growing potential around mushrooms. As the British public begins to understand the many health benefits this can offer, this ingredient enters a new golden age. Professor Douglas Kell said mushrooms have many health benefits, particularly lion's mane.

Lion’s mane improves cognition and brain function. As interest grows around mushrooms, M&S want to become the first UK retailer to supply products that contain Lion’s Mane. JF McKenna supplied all the growing rooms, air handling units and climate control computers at Smithy Mushrooms, M&S’s shiitake and oyster mushrooms supplier. Smithy Mushrooms are growing small quantities of lion's mane mushrooms on a trial basis.

With the increasing demand from this new market in the UK for the supply of mushrooms, there hasn’t been a better time for new or existing mushroom farmers to work with JF McKenna and grow smarter. The UK mushroom market is valued at over £400 million annually and is projected to grow.

‘As farmers increasingly seek to boost profitability and sustainability, diversifying into mushroom production could offer many a promising opportunity.’ (Farming UK). JF McKenna is committed to contributing toward a sustainable future, and mushrooms have a low environmental footprint. According to The Business Research Company, the mushroom market size is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years.

It will increase to $105.54 billion in 2029 at a growth rate of 10.2%. With over 60 years of experience, JF McKenna is a leading supplier of products and services to the mushroom industry. We have a wide range of products and solutions for your mushroom farm. From hooped structures and panel buildings to shelving and climate control, our expert technical team can offer you the complete package to suit your requirements. These will help farmers take advantage of this substantial demand in the market.