(Macau, 29 November 2008) – The International Auction of Italian White Truffles successfully took place on 29th November at Hotel Grand Lisboa, Macau. HK.83 million ( US4,800 ) was raised from the auction in Macau. All the money was donated to local charities.

The successful bidder for the giant truffle was Dr. Stanley Ho, Managing Director of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. ( "SJM" ), who paid US200,000 for the 1.08 kg tuber.  Last year, Dr. Ho also paid US0,000 for the 1.5 kg tuber, a world record price.

A truffle that weighs more than 1 kg is extremely rare for the 2008 season during which very few white truffles have been discovered. The successful truffle hunters, Mr. Ernesto Di Iorio found the truffle in Molise on 21st November 2008 and offered it for the auction.

There were four auctions of smaller Tuscan truffles that took place simultaneously in London, Rome and Abu Dhabi. It was in the Hotel Grand Lisboa that the biggest truffle of 2008 came up for auction. Representatives of Christies, the famous international auction house, officiated as auctioneers. The auction was preceded by a white truffle dinner prepared for guests by the Michelin-starred Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino and their team from Don Alfonso 1890. Guests at the gala dinner and auction included VIPs and celebrities from Hong Kong and Macau, members of the Consular Corps, representatives of the Charities chosen to receive the donations and press.

These four major events were linked via live television satellite, allowing attendees to bid internationally at any one of the four venues. There were a total of 16 lots of white truffles from different areas in Italy for sale in the four auctions and Macau successfully bid for 8 lots.

On the occasion of the auction, Dr. Stanley Ho, Managing Director of SJM, said, "We are grateful to all, including the organizer and the participating cities, that have made this international culinary event of the year possible.   We are pleased that the venue in Macau is again our Hotel Grand Lisboa, and we are doubly pleased that the fun and excitement of the charity auction also benefits our deserving citizens."