Market Potential
Traditionally, French black truffles have been produced in the Northern Hemisphere and were only available as fresh product during the months of December, January and February. Hence an enormous opportunity exists in the Southern Hemisphere to produce and market fresh truffles six months out of season.
Perigord Truffles of Tasmania (PTT) have undertaken extensive research on the
potential of marketing truffles out of season in Europe and Japan. On a market research trip in January 1996,
discussions were held with wholesalers and retailers of French black truffles in
France and England. The concept of Southern Hemisphere out of season production
was warmly received at all levels. With the continued decline in truffle
production in France, Tasmania's entry into the market in the next few years is
being viewed as complementary to the French industry, and in no way competitive
to their market.
During June, July and August when Tasmania will be producing French black
truffles, France's population of 55 million doubles to 110 million with the
influx of tourists. The French truffle marketeers believe that if their
customers can access fresh truffles in the summer it will add to the overall
awareness of French black truffles and result in an overall increased demand.
In establishing the French black truffle industry in Tasmania, Perigord Truffles of Tasmania was the first Australian Company to investigate the production and marketing opportunities of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The French black truffle is the fruiting body of the ectomycorrhizal fungi Tuber melanosporum.
In the formative years, PTT’s marketing focus has been supplying fresh French truffles to the best and leading restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. During the winter harvest of 2006, PTT exported their first truffles to Japan and Europe and received rave reviews. With anticipated significant increase in truffle production in 2007, PTT will be focusing it’s marketing activities on the out of season markets in the Northern Hemisphere.
Restaurants interested in purchasing truffles during the truffle season (June to Sept) should consult our Truffle Sales page or contact Duncan Garvey.