On Nov. 10, 2024, an Alba white truffle weighing 908 gramsfrom Italy’s prized truffle capital sold for an eye-popping HK$1.2 million (around US$154,000) at the 25th Worldwide Alba White Truffle Auction in Hong Kong!
The charity auction, held at the Mandarin Oriental and hosted by Italian white truffle aficionado Matteo Morello, the Founder of Castellana Hong Kong, an Italian restaurant specializing in authentic Piedmontese cuisine, raised a record-breaking HK$3 million to benefit Mother’s Choice, a local organization supporting vulnerable children and teenage mothers.
Regarding the landmark fundraising, Sky Siu, CEO of Mother’s Choice said, “This is our 20th year of this cherished event that brings together our special friends both in Hong Kong and in Italy, all united in changing life stories for vulnerable young girls and children in our city. We are so grateful."
Aside from the auction, the evening sparkled with culinary magic, as Chefs Romeo Morelli of Castellana, Angelo Agliano from Tosca di Angelo at The Ritz-Carlton, and Mandarin Oriental’s Robin Zavou and Matthew Reuther teamed up to deliver “4 Chefs, 8 Hands,” a live broadcast across Asia and Italy showcasing their artistry and an exquisite six-course Italian menu.
Their creations, each dish delicately infused with white truffles, delighted guests and set the perfect stage for a high-energy auction.
Consul General of Italyin Hong Kong and MacaoCarmelo Ficarra was also in attendance to celebrate this Italian culinary gem, its cultural impact on Hong Kong, and conclude the night.
Bidders tuned in from hotspots around the globe: Singapore, Vienna, Frankfurt, Bangkok, Seoul, and Alba itself—but in the end, it was a Hong Kong bidder who claimed the white truffle.
Location: Castellana, UG/F & 1/F, Club Lusitano Building, 16 Ice House Street, Central
For more information, visit Castellana on their website, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
