Business updates in mushroom marketing

Buona Foods introduces Gourmet Mushroom Crumble

Launched in 2020, the Gourmet Mushroom Crumble has seen consistent growth, said Chris Johansen of Buona Foods, Landenberg, Pa.

The new product is a chopped blend of washed baby bella, white and portabella mushrooms in an 8-ounce clear, sealed cup with a recipe on the back label.

The company suggests blending its product, promoted on social media along with Bon Appetit’s The Blended Burger Project, with ground meat to make tacos, burgers and meatloaf.

Monterey Mushroom promotes Greg Sweet to chief operating officer

Greg Sweet has been promoted to a newly created position of chief operating officer for Monterey Mushrooms, Watsonville, Calif.

Sweet joined the company in 1997 and has been responsible for many leadership positions, including his most recent role of regional vice president of operations for the farms and facilities in the Eastern U.S., according to a news release.

In his new role, Sweet will be responsible for leading the company’s strategic growth, while managing fresh operations, fresh sales, farm modernization and expansion, technical services and leadership development.

Mushroom Council partners with Food Network

The Mushroom Council will launch its partnership with Food Network in April and May, which is peak burger season, said Eric Davis, who handles the council’s media relations.

The partnership includes a variety of digital activities with Food Network’s spokespeople, a Blended Burger competition at home as well as through Food Network, video, print and some advertising.

“It’s part of the long-term strategy to bring The Blend to larger and larger and larger audiences, and in many ways, that Food Network partnership that we’ll be rolling out later this year is a culmination of years of work with the growers, producers and The Mushroom Council,” Davis said.

South Mill Champs revisits busy launch year

Kennett Square, Pa.-based South Mill Champs had a busy 2020, launching several value-added products.

The fresh mushroom grower-shipper rolled out stuffed mushrooms under the Champs fresh retail banner in three flavors — Mediterranean, Spinach and Artichoke, and Pizza — and will expand distribution in 2021.    

The company introduced Shrooms Mushroom Coffee in three varieties, Be Well with reishi, Focus with lion’s mane and Energize with cordyceps mushrooms.

Shrooms Snack Crisps and Jerky have rebranded to include bolder flavors and new packaging. The focus is now on “the mushrooms’ trifecta of goodness: great tasting, good for you and great for the planet,” said Jessica Weil, brand communications manager.