Since 2016 the production of black truffles has grown steadily from less than 200 kg to 1,5 tons in 2020. For 2021 the production is expected to exceed 2 tons and, together with the production, the interest of foreign markets and Chile's position is amplifying too.
The production of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) in Chile takes place in the valleys between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes cordillera and covers a very large area that extends from Santiago's valleys (Lat. 33°27' S) to the Los Rios region (Lat. 39°15' S). The Ñuble region concentrates 40% of the national production of the black gold of gastronomy.
In northern Chile, the summer is characterized by intense heat, very different from southern Chile, characterized by a milder and rainier weather. The Chilean truffle belongs to the same European variety named "Tuber melanosporum" and shows specific flavors according to the different terroirs of Chile. The harvesting season begins the first days of June and ends at the end of August.
ATChile A.G. is the only association of truffle growers and group more than 30 members. Its president, Javier Rozas, tells us: "International clients of the associated producers highlight the unchanging quality of the product that is kept during the harvesting season and from one year to another".
In addition, Mr. Rozas explains: "Chile does not present contaminated truffles such as the Tuber brumale or indicum, so the harvested product is always black truffle, the same truffle produced in Italy, but in the counter season."
Chile as a commercial partner
Beyond the territorial and climate conditions that support a sustainable production, Chile offers to the international importers the opportunity to have a second harvest during the year. In 2020 the Chilean black truffle was commercialized mainly in the United States, Japan, France, and Spain.
International companies can rely on the support of ProChile, the governmental agency for the promotion goods and services, to identify and contact Chilean producers and exporters. ProChile also offers a variety of free services to facilitate contact with Chilean exporters. Among these, One Click Import, a recently established online service to process import requests autonomously that makes easy and fast for importers to find an appropriate counterpart in Chile.
All the pictures are supplied by ProChile
For more information:
ProChile Italia
Passaggio degli Osii 2
20123 Milan - Italy
+39 02 864093
italia@prochile.gob.cl
www.prochile.gob.cl
ATChile - Asociacion Gremial Truficultores De Chile
Comuna De Pinto, Región de Ñuble
Casilla 748 - Chillan
(+56) 9 8900 1074
atchile@gmail.com
www.atchile.cl