The truffle market - Italy

The global truffle market, valued at around $300 million, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19% in 2023, with a forecast increase to $316 million by 2023. Italy leads European production, with 45 tonnes of Tuber melanosporum & brumale, while Spain and France follow with 35 and 10 tonnes respectively. The truffle market is diversified, offering products ranging from fresh truffles to a variety of truffle-based products; prices can vary significantly according to species, size and distribution channel. Tuber magnatum (white truffle) is the most expensive, with costs reaching around 2,000 euros per kilogram for large sizes.

Dynamic trends in truffle demand in Italy

The Italian truffle market displays distinct trends characterized by highly seasonal demand, close links with the catering, processing and tourism sectors, and the influence of international tourism on consumption patterns. Seasonality plays a crucial role in the Italian truffle market, with demand peaking in October and November, following the harvesting calendars of these highly prized mushrooms. This season coincides with a peak in truffle events and fairs, which not only celebrate this delicacy, but also attract thousands of visitors, which can further increase demand. A large proportion of Italian truffles, up to around 75%, are processed in the processing industry. Here, they are transformed into a whole range of truffle-based products aimed at consumers seeking a luxurious taste at a more accessible and convenient price. The foodservice sector, which accounts for the remaining quarter of demand for fresh truffles, often relies on local truffle suppliers, especially if they are located in truffle-growing regions. The fact that Italians are eating out more often has led to a noticeable change in food consumption habits. The proportion of Italians having lunch at home has fallen from around 78% to 72% in twenty years, with out-of-home food consumption now accounting for around 36% of the total value of the food market. In addition, international tourism has had a profound impact on demand for truffles. In recent years, Italian regions such as Umbria, Abruzzo and Piedmont have been visited by increasing numbers of foreign tourists, drawn by the appeal of authentic truffle experiences. These tourists, who make up a considerable percentage of visitors to truffle fairs, contribute to the growing worldwide recognition and demand for Italian truffles.

Leading figures in the Italian truffle industry

The Italian truffle market is a mosaic of tradition and prestige, with key players who stand out not only for their role in truffle cultivation and hunting, but also for their contribution to truffle products and tourism. These players have established themselves as emblems of excellence in a sector that is both ancient and constantly evolving.

• Urbani Tartufi is a name synonymous with truffles in Italy and beyond. They have a remarkable presence in the truffle sector, with a vast selection of truffle-based products. Urbani Tartufi stands out for its ability to innovate while respecting tradition, as demonstrated by the recent launch of an organic range of truffle products. This move to organic production demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting the demands of modern consumers while maintaining high quality standards.
• Also worth mentioning is Assotartufai, an association representing Italian truffle hunters, which provides a wealth of knowledge about the different truffle species found in Italy. The association informs the public and its members about the various aspects of truffles, from the unique characteristics of each variety to sustainable practices for hunting and harvesting these precious mushrooms.

The truffle market is also home to a form of experiential tourism, spearheaded by organizations offering guided truffle hunting tours. These experiences take two main forms: simulated searches and real searches. Simulated searches involve hidden truffles to guarantee discovery, while real searches rely on the expertise of professional truffle hunters and their trained dogs. These tours are not only a pleasure for truffle lovers, but also a bridge between the rural tradition of hunting and the contemporary tourist experience.

Finally, local events such as Alba's Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco attract a global audience and serve as a hub not only for the trade of these culinary gems, but also for the promotion of gastronomic tourism.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 24/10/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Prezzo medio tartufo nero pregiato (Tuber Melanosporum Vittadini)
• Prezzo medio tartufo bianco pregiato (Tuber Magnatum Pico)
• Répartition de la demande en truffes
• Valore della produzione venduta di funghi e tartufi freschi o conservati
• Récolte de truffe dans les principaux pays producteurs
• Le marché de la truffe
• Production de truffes en Italie
• Part de la production de truffes par type
• Production de truffes par région
• Production de truffes blanches par région
• Importazioni ed esportazioni di funghi e tartufi
• Principali paesi d'origine delle importazioni dell'Italia per funghi e tartufi
• Principali paesi di destinazione delle esportazioni dell'Italia per funghi e tartufi
• Âge moyen auquel les Italiens obtiennent le permis de chasse à la truffe
• Répartition des licences délivrées par sexe
• Indice di interesse Google Trends per le ricerche "Tartufo nero" e "Tartufo bianco"
• Indice dei prezzi al consumo per radici, bulbi non amidacei, funghi e altri vegetali