Rising to a series high
South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita moved from 0.322 Kilogram in 2015 to 0.584 Kilogram in 2024 (+81.3%), an average of +6.8% a year. The series high was 0.584 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 0.322 Kilogram in 2015.
What South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita shows
South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita was 0.584 Kilogram in 2024, up 3.4% on 2023. South Africa’s mushroom production per capita demonstrated strong and continuous growth between 2015 and 2024, highlighting significant expansion in domestic mushroom cultivation and improved production capacity. In 2015, South Africa recorded mushroom production of 322.04 grams per capita, which increased gradually to 328.38 grams per capita in 2016 and 337.42 grams per capita in 2017.
A 44.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2015) is 0.262 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +13.9% in 2019.
Ranks 20 of 32 countries covered
Among the 32 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 20 for 2024, behind China (34.25 Kilogram) and Ireland (13.35 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 6.32 Kilogram, so South Africa is below it.
Full series
South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 0.584 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | 0.565 | +10% |
| 2022 | 0.513 | +8.7% |
| 2021 | 0.473 | +7.9% |
| 2020 | 0.438 | +6.7% |
| 2019 | 0.410 | +13.9% |
| 2018 | 0.360 | +6.8% |
| 2017 | 0.337 | +2.8% |
| 2016 | 0.328 | +2% |
| 2015 Trough | 0.322 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares across countries
Mushroom Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. South Africa is highlighted.
1China34.25
2Ireland13.35
3Netherlands10.97
4Poland6.63
5Hungary6.37
6Japan4.00
7Canada3.74
20South Africa0.584
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Mushroom Production per Capita — Mushroom production per capita refers to the annual quantity of mushrooms produced within a country, measured on a per person basis. The indicator is expressed in grams per capita (or kilograms per capita where applicable) and represents the average mushroom production volume relative to the country’s population size. In Our World in Data, the indicator is based on FAOSTAT agricultural production data and is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of mushroom production trends across countries and years between 2015 and 2024.
The data includes the annual production of mushrooms reported under FAOSTAT agricultural production statistics, covering cultivated mushroom output measured by weight. The indicator includes country-level mushroom production values adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita production. The dataset captures changes in agricultural production capacity, cultivation practices, and output trends over time. It supports analysis of mushroom industry development, agricultural productivity, food supply trends, and comparisons between different countries and regions.
The data excludes mushroom consumption, imports, exports, and trade-related activities, as it measures only domestic production. It does not represent individual consumption levels, market availability, retail sales, or nutritional intake. The indicator does not include wild mushroom collection unless recorded within official agricultural production statistics. It also does not measure production value, revenue, cultivation costs, or farm-level productivity. Differences may occur due to variations in national reporting methods, estimation procedures, and statistical coverage used by FAOSTAT.
About this indicator
Mushroom Production per Capita — Mushroom production per capita refers to the annual quantity of mushrooms produced within a country, measured on a per person basis. The indicator is expressed in grams per capita (or kilograms per capita where applicable) and represents the average mushroom production volume relative to the country’s population size. In Our World in Data, the indicator is based on FAOSTAT agricultural production data and is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of mushroom production trends across countries and years between 2015 and 2024.
This initial growth reflected steady improvements in cultivation practices and increasing participation in mushroom farming activities.
From 2018 onwards, South Africa’s mushroom production per capita showed accelerated growth. Production increased to 360.26 grams per capita in 2018, followed by a substantial rise to 410.40 grams per capita in 2019 and 437.93 grams per capita in 2020. The consistent increase during this period indicates strengthening production infrastructure, improved farming methods, and greater focus on expanding domestic mushroom supply.
Between 2021 and 2024, South Africa continued its strong upward trend. Production reached 472.57 grams per capita in 2021, increasing further to 513.49 grams per capita in 2022. The growth momentum continued in 2023, when production reached 564.60 grams per capita, and reached the highest level of the period at 584.00 grams per capita in 2024. This sustained increase demonstrates the expanding role of mushroom cultivation within South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Overall, South Africa’s mushroom production per capita increased by approximately 81% between 2015 and 2024, representing significant industry growth. The upward trend reflects improvements in production efficiency, adoption of modern cultivation technologies, expansion of mushroom-growing facilities, and rising demand for locally produced mushrooms. Although South Africa’s production level remains lower compared with leading global producers, the consistent growth pattern highlights strong development potential. Continued investment in agricultural innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable production practices could further strengthen South Africa’s mushroom industry in the coming years.
- Indicator
- Mushroom Production per Capita
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita?
Mushroom production per capita refers to the annual quantity of mushrooms produced within a country, measured on a per person basis. The indicator is expressed in grams per capita (or kilograms per capita where applicable) and represents the average mushroom production volume relative to the country’s population size. In Our World in Data, the indicator is based on FAOSTAT agricultural production data and is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of mushroom production trends across countries and years between 2015 and 2024.
What was South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita in 2024?
South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita was 0.584 Kilogram in 2024, up 3.4% on 2023.
How has South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita moved from 0.322 Kilogram in 2015 to 0.584 Kilogram in 2024 (+81.3%), an average of +6.8% a year. The series high was 0.584 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 0.322 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita?
The highest value was 0.584 Kilogram in 2024 and the lowest was 0.322 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the annual production of mushrooms reported under FAOSTAT agricultural production statistics, covering cultivated mushroom output measured by weight. The indicator includes country-level mushroom production values adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita production. The dataset captures changes in agricultural production capacity, cultivation practices, and output trends over time. It supports analysis of mushroom industry development, agricultural productivity, food supply trends, and comparisons between different countries and regions. Excluded: The data excludes mushroom consumption, imports, exports, and trade-related activities, as it measures only domestic production. It does not represent individual consumption levels, market availability, retail sales, or nutritional intake. The indicator does not include wild mushroom collection unless recorded within official agricultural production statistics. It also does not measure production value, revenue, cultivation costs, or farm-level productivity. Differences may occur due to variations in national reporting methods, estimation procedures, and statistical coverage used by FAOSTAT.
Where does the South Africa Mushroom Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2024&Food=Mushrooms&Metric=Production&per+capita=true&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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