Our History
SA Mushrooms was founded with the vision of producing the highest quality mushrooms to be shared with families across Australia and the globe. Today, we remain wholeheartedly committed to this vision.
With 50 years of vast experience in retail fruit and vegetables, we saw an opportunity for fresh delicately hand-picked mushrooms. SA Mushrooms has always been a family run business focusing on the highest quality product.
We have been growing mushrooms in South Australia since 1998.
The Timeline
1960
Our First Fruit and Vegetable Retail Shop Opens
Our journey began on Grand Junction Rd in Hope Valley, where our first fruit and vegetable retail shop was opened by Sam Femia Senior. It was a humble start, but it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
1969
Opening of fourth Fruit and Vegetable retail shop in
St Agnes
FUN FACT – We opened the same day as Armstrong landed on the moon.
1993 - 1995
Inspiration in Holland
In 1993 and 1995, Sam Snr and Nick Travelled to Holland, delving deep into the mushroom industry, collecting inspiration, innovative techniques and valuable insights and expertise that would shape the future of SA Mushrooms.
1998
The Mushroom Farm:
A New Chapter Begins
With excitement and determination, our first two and a half tonnes of mushrooms were picked in September on our farm, right here in Virginia, where our farm still operates from today. It marked the beginning of our venture into mushroom cultivation. Nat even drew our very first logo by hand and we employed our first two staff.
2005
Expanding the Farm
As demand grew, so did our farm. Adding another 1,000 square meters was a pivotal moment, allowing us to meet the needs of our customers while staying true to our commitment to quality. Our Dad, Sam Snr, moved from the fruit shop to the farm full time in 2005.
2011
The Wholesale Market Stand Opens
In 2011, we took a significant step forward by opening our very first wholesale market stand in the South Australian Produce Market growers shed. Then in 2014 we expanded this operation to include state-of-the-art climate controlled cool rooms.
2014
The Compost Yard is born
After 16 years of sourcing compost externally, we made the decision in 2014 SA Mushrooms to construct our own local Phase One mushroom compost facility. In 2019 we stablished Phase two and three compost facility, fully integrating and localising our entire growing process.
2018 - 2023
Learning and Growing:
A transformative experience at Harvard Business School brought fresh insights and perspectives, enriching our family business with new ideas and strategies for growth.
2019
Opening our NEW Farm ‘Rosetta Farms’
In 2019, we expanded our operations further with the opening of our new Farm, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to continue delivering the finest quality mushrooms to our customers nationwide. With this latest expansion in place, we are now able to maintain total control over our product, offering wholesalers and consumers unprecedented consistency, sustainability and quality producing up to 6o tonnes per week.
Today
Honouring our legacy,
while innovating for the future
SA Mushrooms is a testament to the values of family, hard work, and integrity. We are grateful for the adventure that it has been while looking forward to a future filled with innovation, sustainability, community and growth.
Curious about our sustainability ethos?
Dive deeper into our commitment to environmental responsibility.