Recently we, Mushroom Matter, had the pleasure of visiting Christiaens Group in Horst in the Netherlands. During the visit, we were given a tour by Roland van Doremaele, the sales manager who has been with the company for 21 years. What stood out immediately was the strong focus on craftsmanship and the down-to-earth Dutch mentality that characterizes this family business.

A family business with a rich history
Christiaens Group started to make machineries early 70’s, starting as a modest company rooted in strawberry and asparagus farming. The business initially grew around a simple machine for washing, trimming, and manually sorting asparagus. This machine laid the foundation for what would later grow into a global leader in the mushroom and compost industry.

The Christiaens brothers, with their technical expertise and innovative spirit propelled the company forward, especially when they ventured into the mushroom world by developing a filling machine for a mushroom farmer in closeby. With each growing demand for their machines, their reputation further strengthened, leading to exports and collaborations with various suppliers in construction and climate control. This helped Christiaens Group develop a broad expertise, enabling them to realize complete projects.

Growth and development
In the mid-1990s, Christiaens Group B.V. was officially established, with a clear focus on delivering turnkey projects for the mushroom sector.

Initially, the company had operations spread across four locations in Limburg. However, in 2003, they consolidated all activities into a single site in Horst, improving efficiency and collaboration.

An important aspect of their expansion was the creation of separate business units. The Agro division was fully spun off and now operates independently under the name Christiaens Agro Systems. Additionally, other branches within the group specialize in organic solids composting, mycelium cultivation and animal manure, demonstrating the company’s diverse expertise beyond just mushrooms.

Today, Christiaens Group employs around 110 people, with approximately another 150 people working through subcontractors. The headquarters is based in Horst and Christiaens Group has since about 10 years also a production location in China.

Comprehensive solutions and product offerings
Christiaens Group has become a global leader by offering complete turnkey solutions for mushroom farms, composting facilities and mycelium farms. Their services cover every aspect of the process, ensuring that clients receive a fully integrated solution, from design to implementation.

“What makes Christiaens Group truly unique is that all our solutions are designed and produced entirely in-house. This level of control allows us to ensure the highest quality from start to finish. While we’re known for handling large-scale projects, we’re also fully equipped to take on smaller projects and provide by example individual machines, hydraulic lorries or airhandling systems, making our expertise accessible to a wide range of clients.” — says Roland.

Their key solutions include:

• Engineering: The setup and engineering of complete projects in the mushroom and waste industries.
• Construction: Expertise in constructing mushroom farms and composting plants, ensuring durability and efficiency.
• Technical Installation: Installation of air handling systems, technical installations for climate control, and odor management solutions.
• Controls: Advanced control technology for managing all processes in mushroom cultivation and compost production.
• Machines: Design and production of high-quality machinery for compost production and mushroom cultivation

Christiaens Group's product portfolio includes:

• Composting systems:
  • Phase 1 bunkers
  • Phase 1 tunnels
  • Phase 2/3 tunnels
    
    
• Growing Systems:
  • Dutch shelving system
  • Tilting system
  • Drawer system
    
    
• Organic Waste Composting:
  • Composting systems
  • Odour management technologies
    •
• Mycelium Cultivation:
  • Mycelium growing systems
  • Substrate preparation
  • Product handling systems

Innovation and sustainability as core values
Innovation and sustainability are key at Christiaens Group. They understand that it is important to produce high-quality mushrooms and compost while using as few natural resources as possible. Therefore, they continuously work on new concepts that improve harvesting efficiency, energy efficiency, and safety.

A good example of their commitment to sustainability is the investment in 20,000 m2 solar panels on their premises, allowing them to operate completely energy neutral and with use of heatpumps without gas for heating the building. This not only contributes to lower energy costs but also to a cleaner environment.

Christiaens Group is focused on technological innovation in mushroom harvesting. Due to global labor shortages, they have partnered with a specialist in robotics, to develop an advanced robotic solution for harvesting mushrooms in their Drawer System. This collaboration came about with great interest during the Dutch Mushroom Days in spring 2023, the largest event in the mushroom sector.

Christiaens Group collaborated with Heereco, a pioneer in organic mushroom cultivation in the Netherlands, to implement one of the first fully automated solutions for mushroom harvesting in the fresh market. This system integrates Christiaens' future-proof Drawer System with an advanced robotic technology. The result is a revolutionary automated harvesting process that significantly increases productivity and reduces labor dependency while enhancing the quality of the mushrooms. The system also includes advanced automation in the packaging process, ensuring consistency and efficiency from harvest to shipment.

Mycelium products
Christiaens Group is also the technical partner of Mycelium Materials Europe (MME), a Dutch start-up founded in 2018. MME is active in the bio-based materials and circular economy, producing sustainable mycelium materials based on mushroom technology. Mycelium, the underground network of fungi, is grown in MME’s own mushroom farm using organic waste such as sawdust from sawmills. These mycelium materials are biodegradable and are used by designers, the construction industry, and the fashion industry.

Christiaens Group’s partnership with MME highlights their commitment to sustainability and innovation, extending their expertise beyond traditional mushroom and compost production into emerging sectors focused on eco-friendly materials.

A Company with a future
During our visit to Christiaens Group, it quickly became clear that this is more than just a business—it’s a family rooted in tradition, with a constant eye on the future. The company’s long-term success is built on ongoing investments in innovation, sustainability, and global growth. This approach allows them to maintain their leadership in the mushroom, compost and mycelium industry while staying grounded in the values that have defined them for decades.

"Many of our team members have been with us for decades—it’s not uncommon to celebrate work anniversaries of over 25 years.” says Roland van Doremaele. "It’s this passion, combined with the company’s welcoming culture, that creates such strong employee loyalty. “

With a down-to-earth attitude, a commitment to quality, and a focus on both people and progress, Christiaens Group is more than prepared to take on the challenges of the future.

Armen Gogyan is originally from Armenia, but for the past 19 years he has lived with his family in the United Arab Emirates, with a four-year break between 2009 and 2013. He recently moved to the Netherlands where he now works at Mush Comb, a company in the mushroom industry. His choice for this new challenge was mainly inspired by the location and focus of the company. With his eleven years of experience in a mushroom farm in the UAE, he felt a strong connection with Mush Comb's customer-oriented approach. He feels valued, almost like a customer within the company.

In his role as Senior Sales Manager, Armen is determined to discover new opportunities that can further diversify Mush Comb's market position. He is primarily focused on expanding the company's reach by developing strong after-sales support, identifying new markets and acquiring new customers.

After only a few weeks of working at Mush Comb, Armen already experiences a strong bond with his colleagues. Despite being part of a multicultural team, he feels like a family member within the company. The management is incredibly supportive, open to questions and new ideas, which is the best motivation for him. Every morning he starts his day at home with a cup of coffee, always eager to get to the office as quickly as possible.

Outside of work he enjoys walking and watching and playing football and snooker. He also has a passion for learning new languages, he's currently working on Dutch. His love for mushrooms goes so far that you can wake him up in the middle of the night for a soup with oyster mushrooms or stuffed portobello mushrooms from the barbecue.

Of course he has also made the occasional blunder. For example, he once accidentally started the automatic sprinkler system at the farm while the pickers were still harvesting mushrooms. If he could change one thing about himself, it would be his tendency to trust people too much, although he finds it difficult to be otherwise.

As a child, Armen dreamed of having his own company, producing something and watching it grow like his own "child."

We asked him about his biggest fear? “Heights”, he answered. Luckily nothing to do with mushrooms!

When you hear the word "mushroom," what comes to mind? Do you simply picture the small fungi you pass by during a hike, barely noticing them as you walk through the woods. Or do you think of the rich, savory flavors they bring to your favorite dishes? Whatever your association, September - the National Mushroom Month - is the perfect time to discover just how remarkable mushrooms truly are.

Despite their simplicity, mushrooms are incredibly versatile. They add a rich umami flavor to dishes, stretch your grocery budget by enhancing meals and offer solutions to some of today's biggest challenges. In a world where sustainability and health are increasingly important, mushrooms stand out as a natural answer. Mushrooms have a unique ability to clean up environmental pollutants, including the ability to absorb radiation from contaminated soil.

They are also vigorous of nutrients, notably rich in Vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Beyond their nutritional value, mushrooms possess a variety of medicinal properties. Some species are known for their vibrant, natural dyes, while others have been recognized for their potential anti-cancer benefits.

As we celebrate National Mushroom Month, we encourage you to explore and share the wonders of these humble fungi with your network. Whether you're discussing their #culinairuses, #healthbenefits, or #environmentalimpact, there's no shortage of fascinating facts to spread!

Dutch Trading Office (DTO BV) is part of the CNC Group as of 16 August 2024.
CNC Holding BV and DTO BV have joined forces to boost their international growth ambitions in the substrate market for edible mushrooms.

On 16 August 2024 CNC Group announced that it acquired the shares of DTO BV. The companies are aiming for a strong partnership that will stimulate their growth ambitions in the export of products and services related to the cultivation of edible mushrooms.

The acquisition of DTO marks a unique milestone in the growth strategy of CNC Group and reflects its aim for optimisation and flexibility in substrate production and the continued development of the group’s export position in the global market. DTO supplies substrate to mushrooms farms around the world. Thanks to a patented loading concept, the company is able to maintain an optimal quality of mushroom substrate during transport. The joint expertise of CNC Group and DTO will result in a strong synergy and a broader range of high-quality products and services for all clients.

“This acquisition underlines the strategic focus of CNC Group to strengthen its global export activities and realise long-term growth. We want to continue to operate with a focus on the globally increasing consumption of edible mushrooms. We are very pleased with the added expertise provided by the DTO team and are happy to welcome them to CNC group,” says Eric van Asselt, CEO of CNC Group.

“DTO has clients in 40 countries and employs 15 people. As we want to continue our growth and boost our innovative strength, we are pleased to have the unique opportunity to join forces with CNC in our company’s 30th year,” says Robert Klinkenberg, Managing Director of DTO BV.

Clients are assured of the continued high quality of DTO’s products. The merger of activities will give clients worldwide access both to the superior substrate they are familiar with and to a broader portfolio of products and technical support that will help them optimise their own results.

DTO will continue its current operations and development under the familiar leadership of its Managing Director Robert Klinkenberg.

About CNC (Circular Natural Compost):
CNC Group is a leading group of companies focused on high-quality substrate, mushroom and mycelium solutions for the European and global market. Its daily activities are aimed to contribute to healthy food for millions of consumers worldwide and to boost the circular economy at the same time. The company has over 300 employees in seven cultivation and production locations, and its success is based on over 70 years of superior expertise and innovative strength. The internationally operating group consists of the following companies: CNC Grondstoffen BV, CNC Exotic Mushrooms BV, AMCO, Verbruggen Paddestoelen BV, Verbruggen Substraat BV and Veme Specials BV in the Netherlands and HolPol Compost Sp. z o.o in Poland.

About DTO BV:
The origins of DTO lie in the town of Deurne, where the company started some 30 years ago. The company’s mission was always to transport mushroom compost worldwide without compromising quality during transport. Throughout the years, DTO developed an innovative method to realise this goal. As a result, it soon attracted clients worldwide, from Japan to Dubai and from Malta to Guatemala. Despite its growth, DTO continued to provide its superior quality, both in its products and in its services, making it a reliable and high-valued partner to many growers around the world.

Mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms, is showing promising potential in combating ocean plastic pollution. Innovators are using this eco-friendly material to create biodegradable buoys, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic options. Here’s how this mushroom-powered solution is making waves:

Key Takeaways:

• The Problem: Conventional plastic buoys contribute to ocean plastic waste, harming marine life
• The Solution: Buoys made from mycelium provide a natural, biodegradable alternative
• Environmental Impact: Mycelium buoys can decompose naturally, leaving no toxic residues, reducing ocean waste
• Scalability: This innovation could pave the way for wider use of mycelium in marine industries, promoting a circular economy

This is a great example of how nature-inspired technologies can help tackle pressing environmental challenges!

Please read the full article here.

Source: Modern Farmer

A groundbreaking project in Namibia is turning mushrooms and invasive plants into eco-friendly homes. The MycoHab initiative uses mycelium, the root structure of fungi, to create sustainable building materials. The process involves growing edible mushrooms on substrates made from the invasive encroacher bush. After the mushrooms are harvested, the remaining material is compacted into strong, lightweight, and biodegradable bricks. These “mycoblocks” offer a sustainable alternative to concrete while also helping tackle Namibia’s housing crisis.

In early 2024, MycoHab unveiled its first house made entirely from these bricks. The project, supported by institutions like MIT and local partners, aims to provide affordable, carbon-negative homes that require less energy and labor to build. Additionally, the initiative offers social benefits, such as job creation in mushroom farming and material production. This approach is being hailed as a model for sustainable construction that can be scaled up globally.

Mycelium-based materials not only reduce carbon emissions but also offer excellent insulation, fire resistance, and design flexibility. While still in its early stages, this innovative method shows promise as a key solution for eco-friendly housing in Namibia and beyond.

Source: The Guardian via https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/18/namibia-homes-built-from-mushrooms-mycohab-mycelium

Mushroom Council Names Amy Wood Its New President

LEE’S SUMMIT, MISSOURI – (AUG 6, 2024) – The Mushroom Council has named produce marketing strategist Amy Wood its new President & CEO.

Wood assumed the role this month after the Mushroom Council conducted an exhaustive national search following the planned transition of prior President Bart Minor, who had led the Council for 26 years.

Wood will be responsible for developing and overseeing strategic marketing, communication, research and promotion programs designed to bring profitable returns to U.S. mushroom farms and importers by increasing awareness and consumption of fresh mushrooms.

Wood brings more than two decades of food marketing and communications expertise to this critical position, with a heavy emphasis on produce marketing. She most recently was Senior Vice President, Food Strategy at integrated food and agriculture marketing communications agency Curious Plot, which has represented the Mushroom Council for the past nine years.

While at the agency, Wood led planning and strategy for such Mushroom Council initiatives as the Blended Burger Project, Feed Your Immune System, Mushroom Monday and more. She represented additional clients including California Avocado Commission, National Watermelon Promotion Board and Sun World International.

“Amy is a true food marketing strategist and leader who not only is ready to go on day one because of her near decade of immersion in the mushroom industry, but also because of her vast background leading and counseling marketing teams for dozens of commodity boards and organizations,” said Michael Stephan, Chairman of the Mushroom Council.

“Like so many other commodity boards and associations, the mushroom industry finds itself at the critical intersection of maintaining its loyal customer base while expanding and attracting new shoppers,” said Wood. “I look forward to the challenge ahead.”

About the Mushroom Council

The Mushroom Council is composed of fresh market producers and importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually. The mushroom program is authorized by the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and is administered by the Mushroom Council under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Research and promotion programs help to expand, maintain and develop markets for individual agricultural commodities in the United States and abroad. These industry self-help programs are requested and funded by the industry groups that they serve. For more information, visit mushroomcouncil.com.

Generally picking is considered by many as a low education job. But on the other hand, we rely on our picking force to deliver a good quality mushroom, meeting the customer demands. No bruised mushrooms, no nail or knife damage, right stem length, straight cut stem, no weak mushrooms in the punnet and for all, the right size. And that is where many things go wrong. It is fairly easy to learn the pickers the right way of picking. Twist and do not pull. Do not take to many mushrooms in one hand so they do not get damaged and put them caps up into the punnet. But getting the calibration right is a constant struggle. Pickers tend to have the habit to pick too small and this will cost you money. They simply pick the mushrooms that were meant to be picked tomorrow. An extra thing to that is that pickers lose the bonus while working really hard.

For the right calibration there are many tools like fruit grading rings, grading cards and other different tools. But the easiest tool they have in their hands: the knife.
The knife most used in mushroom growing is the curved knife and the length of the blade is exactly 60 mm. The calibration most wanted on many farms is 55 to 60 mm. Generally, this size is picked first before thinning out. And this is just the size of mushroom that is as wide as the length of their knife. They just have to keep the knife just above the mushrooms to judge the size. This way the mushrooms can be calibrated before they are picked and they will not be damaged by any other form of grading tools. The rings only let mushrooms through which are small enough. The bigger mushrooms get stuck and will be damaged. But the mushrooms that go through easily are too small and that is the calibration the picker will harvest. By using the knife not only there will be no damage but it is also faster.

If a smaller calibration is harvested like a 40 mm mushroom, a line can be made on the blade with a marking pen. Especially new pickers will be very fast in learning this trick. By banning the calibration rings also, the hygiene on the farm is served. Because these rings are hard to clean and experience learns that they are always dirty and are taken from room to room.

Give it a try and your harvesting staff will be happy.