GCC Mushroom Market Report

Market Overview:

The GCC mushroom market size reached USD 861.6 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 1,531.5 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during 2025-2033. The growing health consciousness among GCC population, the burgeoning hospitality and tourism industry, recent technological advancements in indoor mushroom cultivation, and growing demand for organic and sustainably produced mushrooms represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Mushrooms are a category of fungi that develop either above ground or upon their nourishment sources, characterized by their distinctive flavor and texture. They are known for their rich nutritional profile, comprising proteins, dietary fibers, potassium, copper, selenium, and vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. In addition, mushrooms are a great source of polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and antioxidants, including ergothioneine and glutathione. The manufacturing procedure for edible mushrooms is multifaceted, comprising stages, such as cultivation, spawning, casing, pinning, and harvesting. They find a broad array of applications in food and beverages (F&B), dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bioremediation, waste management, textile dyeing, biotechnology, personal care products, pest control, animal feed, bioplastics, and psychoactive compound production. Mushrooms aid in strengthening the immune system, enhancing metabolism, assisting in weight management, improving brain function, and supporting heart health. They also offer numerous advantages, such as ease of cultivation, constant availability throughout the year, culinary adaptability, eco-friendliness, and compatibility with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

GCC Mushroom Market Trends:

Growing focus on health and wellness

Increasing focus on health and wellness is positively influencing the market. As per the IMARC Group, the GCC health and wellness market size reached USD 72.2 Billion in 2024. People are becoming more conscious about dietary choices and leaning toward food items that offer both nutrition and functional benefits. Mushrooms, being low in calories and rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and immune-boosting compounds, align well with the region’s evolving dietary trends. The demand for natural, plant-based food alternatives is rising among health-conscious individuals, vegetarians, and those seeking immunity-supportive diets. Additionally, as the awareness about lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is growing, mushrooms are gaining popularity for their potential in preventive health. Fitness-focused individuals are incorporating mushrooms in salads, soups, and health bowls.

Rising demand in foodservice industry

The heightened innovations in the foodservice industry in the GCC region is driving the demand for mushrooms in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. Moreover, dining out is becoming more common and food delivery services are broadening in the region. For example, in September 2024 , Meituan's food delivery platform, Keeta, debuted in Saudi Arabia. With 30-minute delivery promises and restaurant pickup choices, the app sought to attract Saudi customers by prioritizing convenience and affordability. Owing to these developments, chefs are focusing on incorporating unique ingredients like mushrooms in dishes for their taste, texture, and versatility in various cuisines. Mushrooms are widely used in pizzas, pastas, soups, and gourmet dishes, especially in fine-dining restaurants and fusion food establishments. The surge in tourism activities in cities like Dubai and Riyadh is catalyzing the demand for premium food experiences, where mushrooms are often featured in international and health-conscious menus. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and casual dining spots are also adopting mushrooms to cater to vegetarian and vegan customers.

Supportive government policies and investment in agriculture

With a strategic focus on reducing food imports and enhancing self-sufficiency, government agencies in the GCC region are investing in controlled-environment agriculture and vertical farming, where mushroom cultivation fits well. Various subsidies, low-interest loans, and technical support for agribusinesses are enabling mushroom farms to scale up operations. Research initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms are also contributing to better farming techniques. As mushrooms require less space and water compared to other crops, they align with environmental goals and smart farming strategies. The combination of policy support and agricultural innovation is accelerating local production, ensuring consistent supply and market expansion in the region. As per industry reports, in 2024, the overall supply of mushrooms in the UAE reached approximately 7,300 Tons.

GCC Mushroom Market Growth Drivers:

Increasing use in nutraceuticals and supplements

The growing utilization of mushrooms in the nutraceutical and dietary supplement industry is offering a favorable market outlook across the GCC region. Functional mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, and Lion’s Mane are gaining traction for their health-boosting properties, including immune support, stress relief, and cognitive enhancement. These mushrooms are being processed into capsules, powders, and liquid extracts used in wellness and fitness products. As people are becoming more health-aware, there is a rising interest in natural supplements over synthetic ones, favoring mushroom-based alternatives. This trend is especially growing among urban professionals and fitness enthusiasts who seek daily nutritional support. Overall, the ongoing shift towards functional healthcare solutions is supporting the market growth, encouraging more investment in mushroom cultivation and processing capabilities.

Improved cold chain logistics

Efficient cold chain logistics are crucial to supporting the perishable nature of mushrooms, and recent advancements in this area are bolstering the market growth in the GCC region. Enhanced storage, refrigeration, and transportation systems ensure mushrooms maintain freshness from farm to market. With temperature-controlled supply chains, both locally produced and imported mushrooms reach retailers and restaurants in optimal condition. This has reduced wastage and improved product availability across supermarkets, gourmet stores, and foodservice establishments. As a result, people have access to a wider variety of mushrooms, including exotic types. Cold chain logistics also facilitate the scaling of mushroom farming operations by ensuring reliable market delivery. Investments in logistics infrastructure, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are enabling consistent supply and longer shelf-life, thus strengthening user trust and catalyzing the demand for mushrooms.

Rising focus on educational campaigns and food expositions

Government agencies, food industry stakeholders, and health organizations are organizing public awareness programs, cooking workshops, and healthy eating initiatives that highlight the benefits of mushroom consumption across the GCC region. These campaigns often target schools, communities, and urban users, promoting mushrooms as a healthy, sustainable, and versatile food option. Additionally, food expos and trade fairs held in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha serve as vital platforms for showcasing new mushroom varieties, cooking techniques, and value-added products. These events connect producers, chefs, retailers, and people, helping to boost interest and adoption. As more people are learning about mushrooms’ health and taste benefits, the demand is steadily growing across households and foodservice channels in the region.

GCC Mushroom Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC mushroom market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on mushroom type, form, distribution channel, and end use.

Mushroom Type Insights:

• Button Mushroom
• Shiitake Mushroom
• Oyster Mushroom
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the mushroom type. This includes button mushroom, shiitake mushroom, oyster mushroom, and others.

Form Insights:

• Fresh Mushroom
• Canned Mushroom
• Dried Mushroom
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the form has also been provided in the report. This includes fresh mushroom, canned mushroom, dried mushroom, and others.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Grocery Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel has also been provided in the report. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, grocery stores, online stores, and others.

End Use Insights:

• Food Processing Industry
• Food Service Sector
• Direct Consumption
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end use has also been provided in the report. This includes food processing industry, food service sector, direct consumption, and others.

Country Insights:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

GCC Mushroom Market News:

• January 2025: The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), along with the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), arranged an external trade delegation to Saudi Arabia. This initiative sought to enhance the presence of Sri Lankan food and beverage (F&B) products in the Saudi Arabia market and reinforce the trade ties between Sri Lanka and KSA. The sectors highlighted in this program comprised canned and processed food items, mushroom-derived products, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, and more.
• January 2025: Emirates revealed a broader range of vegan options for in-flight meals. Passengers in economy class could savor meals, such as crêpes stuffed with sautéed carrots and peppers, accompanied by mushrooms, roasted potatoes, and tomato concassé, and curried vegetable puffs, along with chocolate mousse cake topped with chocolate sauce and blackberry crumble.

GCC Mushroom Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the GCC mushroom market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the GCC mushroom market?
• What is the breakup of the GCC mushroom market on the basis of mushroom type?
• What is the breakup of the GCC mushroom market on the basis of form?
• What is the breakup of the GCC mushroom market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the GCC mushroom market on the basis of end use?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the GCC mushroom market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the GCC mushroom market?
• What is the structure of the GCC mushroom market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the GCC mushroom market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC mushroom market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC mushroom market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC mushroom industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.