Walsh Mushrooms Group, one of the largest suppliers of fresh mushrooms in the UK and Ireland, is set to complete a new “state-of-the-art” facility by the end of this year. Located near their current distribution centre in Evesham, construction will commence next month.
This ambitious project exemplifies Walsh Mushrooms Group’s commitment to staying at the forefront of mushroom production while addressing upcoming challenges, particularly those related to labor shortages.
The new facility will incorporate cutting-edge robotic technology designed to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and significantly reduce labor and energy consumption.
Additionally, Walsh Mushrooms Group plans for the site to be powered by sustainable energy sources, although specific details regarding these methods have not yet been disclosed.
“After a lot of research, development and planning this is the biggest step change for the mushroom industry in over two decades,” stated Alan Walsh, director of Walsh Mushrooms Group.
“This investment underscores Walsh Mushrooms Group’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and expanding its capacity to meet the growing demand of our customers for high-quality British mushrooms.”
Headquartered in Gorey, County Wexford, the group supplies over 500 tonnes of fresh mushrooms to the UK market each week.
Moreover, the company operates packing and distribution centres in Golden, County Tipperary, and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, alongside the Evesham location. Collectively, these facilities employ nearly 400 individuals.
The announcement was made during the UK and Ireland business summit in Liverpool earlier this month, an event co-hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
