Phillips Mushrooms Sees Continued Strong Demand for Organics

Based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the mushroom capital of the world, Phillips Mushroom Farms continues the legacy begun by William Phillips who first started farming mushrooms in the area way back in 1927.

Since that time, the company has grown to the point where it now sells more than 57 million mushrooms annually, with the Phillips family continuing to focus on innovation and quality.

Warwick Mushroom Farms, flagship plant

Phillips Mushroom Farms began growing specialty mushrooms in the 1970s, leading the way on Shiitake and Oyster cultivation. Today, the company offers a wide array of mushrooms—from conventional whites to organic portabellas, as well as specialty mushrooms like Maitake and Shiitake. It also offers customized retail packs, bulk sale assortments, foodservice packs, and private label packages.

“Quality and consistency have been key to our success,” said Sean Steller, director of business development for the company. “Mushrooms are a year-round staple at this point, and consumers expect high-quality mushrooms on the shelf. This means each crop must be managed very carefully, and quality control is extremely important at every stage of production. Our state-of-the-art growing facilities help ensure consistent, high-quality production.”

Sean Steller, Director of Business Development, Phillips Mushroom Farms

Phillips Mushroom Farms has been offering certified organic mushrooms since 1997. The company grows and ships eight different organic mushroom varieties—white, Baby Bella, portabella, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, Lion’s Mane, and Royal Trumpet. It carries many different size options for each variety and works closely with its partners to deliver high-quality organic mushrooms on a daily basis.  

Phillips Mushroom Farms organic Oyster, Maitake, and Lion's Mane mushrooms

In 2023, the company is introducing a 4-ounce organic white sliced mushroom item to expand its organic retail options. This smaller size will provide a great option for smaller households looking to reduce waste. 

Phillips Mushroom Farms organic sliced white mushrooms

Phillips Mushroom Farms is currently very excited about the ongoing expansion of its latest mushroom growing facility, the 250,000-square-foot Paramount Mushroom Farm. The facility utilizes Dutch growing technology to optimize production using highly automated environmental controls and easy-to-clean shelves and rooms.

“This year, we are focused on building a foundation for years to come. The new expansion will complete full build-out at this location and bring total production to over 300,000 pounds per week,” Stellar said. “This state-of-the-art facility will be well positioned to produce organic mushrooms in the future.”

“Mushrooms are a year-round staple at this point, and consumers expect high-quality mushrooms on the shelf. This means each crop must be managed very carefully, and quality control is extremely important at every stage of production.” - Sean Steller

The company will also be expanding the packing facility to allow for increased efficiency and optimization. These expansions will allow Phillips Mushroom Farms to keep up with increases in mushroom demand—especially in the organic segment, which has been on the rise since the pandemic.

“Quality, consistency, and customer service are our focus,” Steller said. “None of this is possible without a core focus on people. From harvesting to final delivery, fresh mushrooms require a lot of care and focus—this comes down to great people.”

The start to 2023 has been an interesting one for the company as consumers and suppliers alike adjust to the current economic challenges. But despite the issues, the demand continues to be strong.

“Mushrooms remain at the forefront of meat replacement and blending initiatives,” Steller said. “At the same time, organic demand continues to increase year over year. There is still tremendous opportunity to increase organic mushroom sales by increasing availability and access.”

“Quality, consistency, and customer service are our focus. None of this is possible without a core focus on people. From harvesting to final delivery, fresh mushrooms require a lot of care and focus—this comes down to great people.” - Sean Steller

State-of-the-art technology, improved business processes, and decades-long experience give Phillips Mushroom Farms the competitive edge it needs to satisfy customers nationwide, and its continued investment has given it the ability to succeed in its passion for quality and service.