the truffle market | France

1.1 Presentation and definition of the truffle market

The truffle refers to a type of fungus which is created by a ectomycorrhizal fungus ascomycete and has a bulging shape. A single fungus can give birth to several truffles. Truffle harvests are largely dependent on meteorological conditions like drought.

There are two main categories of truffles on the market:

• The black truffle or Perigord truffle which can be found in calcareous soils under truffle trees from 1 to 15cm deep
• The white truffle which is the most popular and expensive variety on the market and can be found mainly in Italy and Croatia.

The French market is facing the continuous internationalization of truffle production as its national production is dwindling . The production was exported to the United States, Australia, Israel, Argentina... All these emerging markets benefit from the seasonal pattern of harvests in Europe. Their products are sold for export between two harvest periods in Europe

The truffle market is composed of a multitude of small players who are breeders, harvesters and distributors of their products . The sale of truffles on French territory is organized around different markets located in different communes more or less recognized for the quality of the products offered. Some actors are mobilizing to continue to modernize the sector and find government support.