Hong Kong buyer forks out HK$750,000 for Italian white truffles at charity auction
Winning bidder identified as a regular patron of a Michelin-starred restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
A Hong Kong buyer forked out HK$750,000 for three coveted Italian white truffles, beating out other culinary experts for the rare delicacy in an annual global charity auction.
Little is known of the winning bidder, identified as Eugene Fung, as he snatched the prized fungus – also known as “white gold” – weighing 900 grams.
The auction comes after farmers in Italy experienced one of the worst seasons on record, with unfavourable weather affecting supply and driving mushroom prices to record levels.
The 18th edition of the World Alba White Truffle Auction took place at the Castle of Grinzane Cavour in northwest Italy. Alba, a small town in the vicinity, is recognised as the country’s white truffle capital.
Since 2005 the auction has been broadcast by satellite to bidders from Hong Kong. For the last seven years, famed Italian chef Umberto Bombana has been the host of the streamed event in the city.