Mushroom cultivation has been present in Vietnam for over 150 years, dating back to the French colonial era. Despite this long history, the industry remains relatively modest, with only around 25,000 mushroom-growing establishments nationwide. Vietnamese mushrooms continue to face stiff competition from imported varieties. Vietnam currently ranks 11th globally in mushroom exports, yet paradoxically stands as one of the world’s largest importers of mushroom products. It is the third biggest importer of processed mushrooms—after the United States and Hong Kong—and the second largest importer of mushroom powder, trailing only the U.S. Accurate statistics on mushroom establishments and farms in Vietnam remain limited. Data from Statista shows that the country had approximately 24,940 mushroom farms in 2023—a significant increase compared to 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted agricultural activities. According to documents from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam cultivates some 15 to 16 varieties of edible mushrooms. These include straw mushrooms, enoki, shiitake, wood ear, Lion’s Mane, button mushrooms, Sun Agaricus, Lingzhi, Melaleuca, abalone mushrooms, pine mushrooms, and snow fungus. In the past, rustic varieties such as straw mushrooms and termite fungus were cherished staples in rural village meals. Today, consumer interest has expanded beyond traditional flavors to include […]