When you think of Hyundai, you probably picture electric cars or futuristic hydrogen-powered vehicles. But mushrooms? Probably not. Yet, the South Korean giant is making waves in the UK’s mushroom market, supplying exotic varieties like shiitake and oyster mushrooms to major retailers, including Tesco. So, why would an automotive powerhouse become involved in fungi farming?
At its core, Hyundai's mushroom venture isn’t just a quirky side project, it’s a calculated move towards diversification and sustainability. Hyundai, like many large corporations, is recognising the urgency of addressing global food security and environmental challenges. Mushrooms, with their minimal land use, water efficiency, and low carbon footprint, align perfectly with these goals.
Source: Smithys Mushrooms - Packed Exotic Mushrooms
But why the UK? Britain’s appetite for mushrooms has soared in recent years, driven by trends in plant-based eating and health-conscious cooking. Tesco alone reported a tripling in demand for oyster mushrooms since 2019, with annual sales surpassing one million packs. Hyundai saw an opportunity to meet this demand and planted its roots, literally, in Ormskirk, a market town in West Lancashire.
Much like their approach to car manufacturing, Hyundai is applying precision and innovation to mushroom cultivation. Their Smithy Mushrooms Holdings facility in Ormskirk, a collaboration with Korea Green Mushroom Park, uses advanced growing technologies to produce consistent, high-quality mushrooms year-round.
Source: Hyundai-Smithy Mushrooms Holdings facility in Ormskirk
The company recently opened a second production plant, aiming to double its capacity to 800 tonnes annually by 2026. With Tesco and Marks & Spencer already stocking their mushrooms, Hyundai is positioning itself as a reliable supplier in a market hungry for sustainable produce.
At first glance, a car company growing mushrooms might seem like an odd pairing. But zoom out, and it makes sense. Diversifying into food production isn’t just about spreading risk, it’s about future-proofing the brand. As Hyundai continues its shift towards eco-friendly vehicles, it’s also investing in food systems align with a low-footprint and Earth Friendly future.
For British shoppers, it means more fresh, locally produced exotic mushrooms in their baskets. For Hyundai, it’s not just about mushrooms - it’s about creating a blueprint for cross-industry innovation in a rapidly changing world.
So next time you pick up a pack of shiitake mushrooms at Tesco, just remember: they might have more in common with your electric car than you think.
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