THE Irish mushroom industry could significantly increase its current £50 million export business, delegates at seminar organised by An Bord Bin/Irish Food Board heard yesterday. Irish companies supplied £45 million worth of mushrooms to the £300 million UK market last year.

Bord Bin research has also found the dominant position of large supermarkets, who currently control 60 per cent of the UK market, is set to expand further. Irish companies supply 46 per cent of the multiple supermarket sector and it is predicted expansion offers further scope for growth of the domestic industry.

Growers and industry representatives who attended the seminar also heard that their value added mushroom products are also becoming more popular.

The catering business has produced increased opportunities for both finished and semi finished mushrooms.