Avondale, Pa.-based Basciani Foods has invested in automation, and that move is paying off, said Fred Recchiuti, general manager of the company.
“Before COVID hit, we had invested in automation to automatically weigh and package our sliced mushrooms in patented shelf-life extending bags,” which the firm has patented, Recchiuti said.
“It was really well received by the market and now we can’t produce enough,” he said, noting that the firm is waiting on two new machines that have been delayed with supply chain issues.
Basciani Foods ships primarily to foodservice distributors for large chain restaurants, he said.
“Our business nosedived in March of 2020, but then, as the restaurants pivoted to take-out, it got much better,” he said. For 2022, Basciani Foods will produce more mushrooms compared with 2021, he said, noting surging consumer interest in mushrooms.
“Many mushrooms have immunity-boosting benefits, so the category is well-aligned with that market segment,” he said.
Retailers can promote mushrooms by cross-marketing them in the meat department, he said.
The Packer’s Mushroom Marketing Coverage
