Perigord Truffles of Tasmania was established by Duncan Garvey in 1993.
It all began at a lively dinner party in the early 1990’s at the home of his partner Alexandra de Blas. Friends at the gathering shared their love of the truffle and their fascination with the idea of growing this mysterious underground fungus. Peter and Chris spoke about the truffle’s intriguing flavour, intoxicating perfume, and its limited availability in the Northern Hemisphere winter. This was the start of Duncan’s truffle journey which resulted in the harvesting of Australia first truffle in Tasmania on June 18, 1999.
In the time between that initial conversation and the first discovery he had critically reviewed the truffle literature, made numerous research trips to France and conducted market research in Europe, Japan and the United Kingdom. He shared this journey with Alexandra for the first five years and farming partner Peter Cooper for more than twenty years.
The company successfully established trufferies (truffle orchards) in Tasmania, Victoria and NSW and oversaw the first truffles harvested in each state.
In recent years Duncan’s focus has been on supplying Australia’s leading chefs with fresh Tasmanian truffles throughout the winter harvest and establishing an online platform where truffles are delivered direct to homes in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
“I am as passionate about the truffles we produce and market now as I was when we harvested our first in 1999. The scent of that truffle still lingers in my mind. It was an overwhelming experience. I felt so privileged to realise a dream, to pioneer and produce French truffles in Australia.” Duncan Garvey
https://www.perigord.com.au/