The Epicurean Food Group today revealed plans to expand their current 4000 square metre mushroom farm at the Elizabeth site into a “fully vertically integrated” mushroom production facility capable of producing 20,000 tonnes of exotic mushrooms a year.

The new facility will occupy around 35,000 square metres of space in the 295,000 square metre Lionsgate Business Park, which has been repurposed for a number of new businesses in the wake of Holden’s departure in 2017.

Epicurean said it will employ 350 people at the new mushroom facility, which will grow exotic Shitake, Enoki, Lion’s Mane, Oyster and King Oyster mushrooms.

The mushrooms will be grown in column up to 13 metres high located in six specially designed growing rooms, the company said.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Epicurean Food Group CEO Ken King said the facility would also produce mushrooms products, such as burgers.

Epicurean food group CEO Ken King and chief scientist Leanne McGrath at their current mushroom manufacturing facility. Photo supplied.

“Our operations include curating spawn in our lab through to processing mushrooms in our high-tech commercial kitchen,” King said in a statement.

“With the help of our supermarket partners, Australians will have easier access to some of the 20 uncommon and exotic mushroom varieties we cultivate as well as our wholesome mushroom burgers, balls, crumble and sausages.”

Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion said the production facility would lead to more locally grown products on South Australian supermarket shelves.

“Few would have thought it possible transforming Holden’s old factory floor into a place where exotic mushrooms can be grown and cultivated – but South Australians not only innovate, we lead the rest of the pack.

“Repurposing one of the state’s most revered manufacturing sites is proof that the sector remains strong and adaptable.

“Nothing like this facility exists interstate and we want to support local companies expand and reach new customers on a national and global scale.”

Currently, around 85 per cent of Australia’s exotic mushroom supply currently comes from overseas, according to the state government.