What is Pilzzusammen?

Pilzzusammen is a social enterprise which produces bio mushrooms in refugee shelters in Berlin, Germany, using coffee waste as substrate. The initiative was founded in 2024 by Ricardo Andrade, a German-Brazilian citizen who worked many years in the private sector, as well as in research and non-profit organisations before moving to Germany in 2014, where he continued his studies and gained experience in refugee assistance. After nearly a decade working in refugee shelters in Berlin, learning from similar projects in different countries and completing several mushroom growing courses, Ricardo decided it was time to bring something new to the table - literally.

Berlin has over 100 refugee shelters, most of which have rooms that cannot be used for accommodation or for services. Simultaneously, very often it takes months - or years - before refugees obtain a work visa, enough fluency in the German language, or have their original diplomas recognised by the German government. In the meantime, they cannot work. This leads to frustration, unnecessary dependency on public funds and a waste of valuable human resources which could contribute to the German economy. Growing mushrooms from coffee waste in refugee shelters is a new take on sustainability, social responsibility, local and healthy food. Welcome to Pilzzusammen.

How do we grow mushrooms in refugee shelters?

Shelters are an ideal environment for growing bio mushrooms: the enclosed environment allows full control of growing conditions, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, light, and fresh air exchange. Hygiene and working processes are easily established and controlled, as access to the production area can be limited to trained team members. Every week we collect coffee waste from partners in Berlin including restaurants, cafes and roasters. The coffee waste is then mixed with ingredients such as coffee peels, water and gypsum (to lower pH), add mushroom spawn and the inoculated substrate is placed in adequate growth bags. The bags are transferred to a dark incubation room for 1-2 weeks until the mycelium is fully formed. As the mushrooms start to pin, the bags are transferred to the fruiting room, where slightly different climate conditions lead the mushrooms to grow up to 50% in size daily. When mushrooms are fully formed, they are harvested, packed and delivered fresh to customers around the city.

You can find us here:

Buy Online

In our online shop you can order single fresh portions or subscribe to our monthly delivery service.

Street Markets

Our products will soon be available at some of the most traditional street markets in Berlin. Follow us on social media to keep up to date on news from Pilzzusammen!

Restaurants & Hotels

We deliver fresh, local, delicious mushrooms to restaurants and hotels in Berlin and Brandenburg. Order here or contact us at +49 17683314433.

"It feels great to know that your work provides fresh, healthy food to your community, preserves the environment and helps people get on their feet in a new home."

Ricardo Andrade, founder Pilzzusammen