Urbani Tartufi Launches Grant Program
To Inspire American Chef' Use of Truffles

Grant from Global Leader in Truffles Celebrates Opening of 'Urbani Accademia del Tartufi' in Umbria, Italy, Culinary Center Dedicated to the Art of the Truffle

NEW YORK, NY, July 8, 2007 _ At the opening of the Summer Fancy Food Show Olga Urbani of Urbani Tartufi, the global leader in fresh, frozen and preserved truffles, announced the first annual 'Urbani Truffles Academy Grant Program' (www.urbanigrant.com). The grand prize is a one-week stay at the Accademia del Tartufo in Umbria. "Our goal with the Urbani grant program is to promote truffles and to inspire the use of truffles by America's culinary professionals by illustrating all aspects of fresh truffles and preserved truffle products," said Ms. Urbani. "We love to showcase the versatility and incredible magnetism of truffles _ how they enhance a restaurant menu, stir up emotions amongst the patrons and how truffles can positively impact a restaurant's profitability."

The one-week stay in Umbria at the Accademia del Tartufo includes a tour of the Umbria region and the Urbani facilities, a day of truffle hunting that will allow a rare glimpse into the secretive world of the truffle hunter, learning all about the truffle supply process and working with the Accademia del Tartufo's chefs. Three first-prize winners in the grant competition will receive $1,500 worth of Urbani preserved truffle products and an Urbani Truffle book valued at $30. Ten second prize winners will receive $500 worth of Urbani preserved truffle products and a cookbook of top Urbani recipes while all qualified entries will receive an Urbani cookbook.

In order to qualify for the grant, culinary professionals must submit one recipe _ which will be evaluated by truffle experts from the Urbani Accademia del Tartufo who are experienced in the art of cooking with truffles _ and answer a brief questionnaire. Entry forms are available on the Urbani Grant Program website.

About Urbani Tartufi
Founded over 150 years ago in Umbria (a region in central Italy), Urbani Tartufi is the preeminent player in the rarefied world of truffle production controlling well more than half of the global truffle business for both fresh truffles and preserved truffle products. The company is still run today by the Urbanis, the first family of truffles, with brothers Paolo (who received the prestigious award 'Cavaliere del Lavoro' from the president of Italy) and Bruno at the head and the next generation of Olga, Giammarco and Carlo Urbani taking on increasing responsibility for the family business.

Other Related Links:
The Accademia del Tartufo
Urbani Tartufi Launches Grant Program To Inspire American Chef' Use of Truffles
The Annual Urbani Truffles Academy Grant Program