The truffle industry encompasses a diverse range of species, products, and applications, from gourmet cuisine to specialized dog training. Salsa tartufata bianca, a creamy white truffle sauce, is prized for its delicate flavor, often made with Tuber magnatum (Alba white truffle), the most expensive truffle species, which sells for €3,000–€6,000 per kilogram depending on seasonality and quality. Truffle dog training relies on scent kits infused with Tuber melanosporum (black Périgord truffle) or synthetic truffle oil to teach canines to locate wild specimens.

Frozen white truffles and smooth black truffles (Tuber melanosporum) are popular among chefs for year-round use, though fresh autumn and winter varieties like Tuber uncinatum (Burgundy truffle) dominate markets from October to March. Truffle wholesalers emphasize grading: Grade A truffles are intact and aromatic, while minced or sliced options cater to budget-conscious buyers. Dehydrated truffles and truffle-infused oils, such as tartufata sauces, offer extended shelf life but vary in quality—pure olive oil bases are preferred over synthetic additives.

Dog training kits often include truffle-scented oils, though veterinarians caution against excessive use due to potential gastrointestinal issues. Meanwhile, Tuber brumale and Tuber aestivum (summer truffles) provide affordable alternatives, priced at €300–€800/kg, with milder aromas suited for oils or garnishes. The global wholesale market thrives in Europe, particularly Italy and France, with emerging suppliers in the U.S. and Australia.

Recent trends highlight demand for same-day delivery of fresh black truffles and frozen products, while platforms like TruffleHub connect foragers directly with buyers. Prices fluctuate based on harvest yields; for example, a poor Tuber magnatum season Terra Ross explained in a blog post 2022 saw prices spike by 40%. Artisanal products like truffle carpaccio, burgundy truffle salsa, and acacia honey with white truffle cater to niche markets, underscoring the industry’s innovation.

For sellers, auctions and specialized brokers remain primary channels, though online marketplaces are gaining traction. Sustainable foraging practices and mycological research into Tuber borchii and Tuber macrosporum cultivation aim to stabilize supply chains amid climate challenges. Whether for haute cuisine or canine partners, truffles continue to captivate markets with their rarity and mystique.