White truffle scarcity drives prices up amid drought

The white truffle market is experiencing significant scarcity due to extreme summer heat and prolonged drought. In Alba, Italy, where the International White Truffle Fair is underway, retail prices have reached between 350 and 500 euros per 100 grams, with some instances hitting 550 euros. Truffle hunters in the Piedmont region report low yields, noting that market prices paid to hunters are rising by approximately 500 euros per kilogram daily, with potential peaks reaching 4,000 euros per kilogram.

In Germany, truffle producers in Lüdinghausen are facing similar challenges. High temperatures and insufficient canopy cover on plantations have led to low harvests, forcing local restaurateurs to purchase up to 80 percent of their supply from external sources to meet demand.

While rainfall could potentially improve future yields by promoting tuber growth, current supply remains tight. The market is also being influenced by international factors, including geopolitical conflicts and shifts in export demand in regions such as Dubai.