Kuwait Faces Truffle Price Plunge … from KD 50-5

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KUWAIT CITY, March 2: Following the influx of substantial quantities of Syrian truffles (Al-Faqa), the market has experienced a notable downturn over the past couple of days. This surge in supply has caused the price of one kilogram to plummet from 50 dinars to a range between 5 and 15 dinars, contingent upon the size and quality of the truffles, reports Al-Rai daily. Further deliveries of Syrian ‘truffles’ are anticipated shortly, indicating a season abundant with the crop and promising more affordable prices. This comes after the cost of one kilogram of Al-Faqa breached the 50 dinars mark last January.

A visit by Al-Rai to the ‘Faqa’ market revealed a significant turnout of enthusiasts and experts, including both citizens and residents. The stalls were bustling with activity as customers flocked to purchase ‘faqa’ of varying sizes. Vendor Ali Riyad remarked, “The initial indications of the crop surfaced early in January, with limited supplies from Iraq and Saudi Arabia. However, the market demand wasn’t met adequately, leading to a surge in prices to 50 dinars per kilogram for large truffles, 30 dinars for medium-sized ones, and 15 dinars for small-sized ones.” He continued, “The landscape has shifted now with the arrival of substantial quantities of Syrian truffles, disrupting the price dynamics and bringing it down to a range between 5 and 15 dinars per kilogram.”

Similarly, vendor Bu Hassan emphasized the popularity of truffles among the people of Kuwait and highlighted the ample supply and special pricing. Citizen Abdullah Al-Musafer extolled the significance of truffles in Kuwaiti culture, describing them as emblematic of prosperity and cherished by the populace. He noted that the truffles, also known as “faqa,” naturally emerge in the desert following the rainy season in mid-November, boasting high nutritional value and medicinal properties. Al-Musafer underscored the diversity in types and sizes of truffles, each served in various culinary preparations.

Regarding pricing, Al-Musafer highlighted the distinction between Kuwaiti truffles, which are locally sourced and sold fresh at a premium, and imported truffles from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. He observed that current prices are considerably more reasonable compared to the outset of the season. Large Iraqi truffles fetch 12 dinars per kilogram, while smaller ones are priced at 5 dinars. Recent arrivals of Syrian truffles have further diversified the market, with large ones commanding 10 dinars per kilogram and small ones priced at 5 dinars.

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