Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 day ago
Heat and drought threaten Italy’s white truffle harvest
Italy’s white truffle season has begun with a poor early harvest after a hot summer and months of drought.
The shortage is affecting areas around Alba in Piedmont and parts of central Italy, a main growing region.
White truffles are a prized food, and prices may reach about 500 euros per 100 grams.
Traders say the early price is high and may fall if more truffles appear later in the season.
The outlook depends in part on rain in October and November, which could support the growth of better-quality truffles.
Some experts expect very few finds in October and say November and December may bring better results.
Alba expects about 600,000 visitors for its international truffle fair, running from October 10 to December 6.
The season is expected to continue until the end of January.
Heat and prolonged drought have left Italy’s white truffle harvest poor at the start of the season.
Few truffles are available, and those found are small.
Prices could reach about €500 per 100 grams, while one truffle trader expects them to fall later in the season.
Experts say October is difficult and hope conditions improve in November and December.
Alba expects about 600,000 visitors to its International Truffle Fair from October 10 to December 6.
- Who
- White truffle harvesters and traders in Italy, including trader Antonio Leo, say the season has started poorly.
- What
- Heat and drought have reduced the early harvest, and prices could rise.
- When
- At the start of the season in early October 2026, after a hot summer and drought in July, August and September.
- Where
- Italy, including the area around Alba in Piedmont and central Italy.
- Why
- The hot summer and prolonged drought have affected the truffles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It is generally bad across Italy; it was too hot.
I recommend no customer buy now.
There is hardly anything to be found.
To find high-quality truffles, we have to wait until November and December.
Drought affected the truffle season, according to trader Antonio Leo.
The search for truffles began, with early signs described as discouraging.
The season started with few small white truffles available.
Alba is expecting around 600,000 visitors to its International Truffle Fair.
- Possible price
- About €500 per 100 grams
- Expected fair visitors
- Around 600,000
- Fair dates
- October 10–December 6
- Truffle season
- Expected to last until the end of January
- Poor harvest conditions
- Heat and drought in July, August and September
Sources
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