Text partially sourced from: Glas Istre. Photographs: Anton Brenko. Cover photograph: Studio 11
The largest truffle fair in the region once again delivered more than just a fair this year, including inspiring conversations about the world of truffles—from professional challenges in protection and sustainability to creative ways of connecting them with tourism, gastronomy, and lifestyle.
The panel discussion moderated by Ana Pisak, titled “The Future in the Soil: A Natural Bite of Community,” featured participants including Ezio Pinzan, Head of Agriculture for Istria County, Darko Muzica and Ivan Vukadinović, President and Vice President of the Truffle Hunters Association “Istra,” and Anton Brenko, Head of the Working Group for the Protection of the Istrian White Truffle. The expert panel was dedicated to sustainable development, environmental protection, and the importance of collective action in preserving natural resources, with special emphasis on the truffle as a symbol of Istrian land and identity.
The second part addressed the topic titled “Truffles as Inspiration: A Fusion of Flavor, Story, and Prestige” with panelists Nada Prodan Mraković, County Head of Tourism, followed by Meri Vivoda Majer from Old River Restaurant, Laura Franković Karlić from Karlić tartufi d.o.o., and influencers Davor Gerbus and Amer Kadić. The lifestyle panel combined gastronomy, tourism, and contemporary trends. The discussion covered truffles as a source of creativity, luxury, and authentic experience, from the plate to social media.
The two-day festival, opened by Buzet Mayor Damir Kajin and Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, brought together approximately 50 exhibitors and producers of local products such as prosciutto, cured meats, cheese, olive oil, wine, honey, homemade sweets, pasta, spirits, and more—including seven companies engaged in truffle purchasing and sales. The Istrian Truffle Festival in Buzet was organized by the Buzet Tourist Board, the City of Buzet, and the municipal utility company “Park,” under the patronage of Istria County and the Istria County Tourist Board.
Read more about the event at: Glas Istre
