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Case Study

Centro Nazionale Studi Tartufo d'Alba: Blockchain to protect the white truffle of Alba

Research, promotion, and outreach

Centro Nazionale Studi Tartufo d’Alba was established in 1996 with the aim of spreading knowledge about truffles as a niche product that plays a strategic role in the development of Italian food and wine tourism. The experts at the research center analyze and evaluate the organoleptic properties of each truffle and, if they meet the Alba Truffle guidelines, they apply a quality seal. From that moment on, each individual truffle acquires a unique and recognized value.

Ensuring the designation "White Truffle of Alba"

The organization does not issue a certification, but rather the “White Truffle of Alba” brand, which commercially defines the Tuber magnatum pico. By virtue of this designation, the truffle is auctioned and sold worldwide. Since the seal is simply a band placed on each truffle, it sometimes happened that it was recycled and placed on new truffles, illegally passed off as the prestigious Alba truffles. This, of course, fostered an untracked and illicit parallel market, exposing buyers to counterfeits and causing significant reputational damage to the Research Center. This is where Var Group comes into play.

Verifying the authenticity of the truffle in real time

Each truffle is associated with an NFT, which represents its immutable and tamper-proof quality certificate thanks to notarization on the blockchain, and is uniquely identifiable through images of the truffle itself. Through a web app, consumers can scan the QR code printed on the product’s seal and compare the information and images contained within. In this way, consumers can verify in real time the authenticity and origin of the purchased product. The platform also allows users who do not yet have a wallet (required to hold the truffle NFTs) to create one through a very simple procedure.

Making the most of innovation

Centro Nazionale Studi Tartufo d'Alba chose Var Group and Blockchain technology to jointly tackle the problem of counterfeiting, cleansing the market for one of the products that best enhances and defines Made in Italy.

"Thanks to the project carried out with Var Group, we ensure the reliability and uniqueness of our seals, allowing consumers to obtain a quality certificate for the truffle they purchase. Thanks to Blockchain technology, we protect one of the cornerstones of Made in Italy."

Elisabetta Gianicolo | Scientific Director, National Truffle Research Center of Alba