Mjko® - making a positive impact....

As is customary, we have once again invited one of our loyal customers to share their company’s vision with us this year. This time, it is the turn of Mjko, Germany—a true family business focused on the production and sale of organically grown mushrooms. Mjko is the trade name representing the companies SWG (Substrat Werk Garther Heide GmbH & Co) and Biopilzhof. The group was founded in the late 1990s by the Boging and Wulfers families. Today, the company has grown to a production volume of approximately 150–200 tons of mushrooms per week, marketed fresh under the Mjko brand. The business is now successfully managed by the second generation.

Introduce yourself and your company, (family business or otherwise) and tell something about the company’s history.
Hey, we are Mjko®. We grow fresh edible mushrooms, 365 days a year. In 2024, we brought together the passion and strengths of several mushroom enthusiasts with almost 30 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. We are fascinated by the potential of mushrooms and share this enthusiasm through the high quality and great taste of our products. Our goal is to make a positive impact in everything we do as a company. Some of our production areas have been Naturland Fair and Bioland certified since 2003.



Could you explain the method of cultivation and the cultivation schedule.
Our mushroom cultivation takes place in an ecological and closed cycle in which all components are used sustainably. We produce our own organic substrate from regional raw materials in a 6-week composting process, including the mycelium growth phase. 
The cultivation rooms are then filled with the substrate and a layer of soil, where the growth is stimulated by controlled temperatures. After a week, the mushrooms are ready to be harvested and are picked by hand, immediately cooled, and delivered via short supply chains. After harvesting, the used substrate is returned to our local suppliers, where it is used as fertilizer for the fields.



Could you explain the application of raw materials, for example compost, spawn, supplements and casing soil. Are these raw materials locally purchased or imported?
We source all important raw materials from regional suppliers. The organic straw and poultry manure used for our substrate comes from certified local farms, ensuring short transport routes.



Could you describe your relationship with ChampFood International and why you buy ChampFood supplement. 
We greatly value our relationship with ChampFood, as we share the same commitment to long-term partnerships, product safety, and continuous innovation. These shared principles form a strong foundation for our collaboration. In addition, ChampFood supplements meet our high quality standards and requirements. We are grateful for our collaboration in the past and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.

Could you describe the extent of mushroom cultivation in your country? What developments or future prospects can be expected?
Mushroom cultivation in Germany has steadily increased in recent years. The consumption of fresh mushrooms has risen continuously and domestic production has expanded alongside this demand. Imports remain relevant but stable, indicating a strong and growing local industry.

An important trend is the increasing popularity of organic products. Consumers are placing increasing value on sustainable and transparent food production. At the same time, plant-based and meat-reduced diets are becoming more common in Germany. This benefits the mushroom industry, as mushrooms are seen as a versatile alternative to meat.

Sustainability will continue to drive developments in the industry in the future. Short supply chains, organic raw materials, and regional production are gaining in importance, and demand for quality is expected to continue to rise.



What does your company do in terms of sales promotion and marketing?
We use a range of sales promotion and marketing activities to strengthen our customer relationships and strengthen our brand presence. We regularly participate in customer trade fairs and events, where we offer tastings and act  ivities at our booth. We also exhibit at BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic consumer goods, where we engage in valuable discussions with potential new customers, as well as existing customers. 

We communicate a high-quality brand image across all channels, including trade fairs, our website, and social media. Through continuous dialogue with our customers, we are able to respond directly to their needs and expectations.  
Our modern corporate design, combined with a clear and informative website, supports a strong and recognizable brand presence. In addition, we place a strong emphasis on content marketing. On social media, we share knowledge about mushrooms, recipes, and entertaining insights into everyday life with mushrooms, allowing us to connect directly with end consumers.