The Mexican company Hongos Leben produces fungi and mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) since 1975, this in addition to varieties like shiitake, Portobello and Crimini. The products carry major brands in Mexico City, the metropolitan area and other regions of the country.Until 2005, Hongos Leben exported to the US, but because of high transport costs, the export was halted eight years ago. Now export has resumed. "We did the shipments by air, but the costs increased significantly and land transportation was not economically interesting," says Rodolfo Leben.
Despite the fact that many small farmers produce irregularly, causing prices to fluctuate, the market for mushrooms is growing steadily. The price for the Pleurotus ostreatus drops to $1 per kilo, while the price of mushrooms in the major markets is stable with 2 dollars per kilo. These are also sold to other sectors. Currently, 80% of the production consists of mushrooms. Leben now sees opportunities to expand the export of Pleurotus ostreatus. “Contacts have already been made,” he says.
