In this personal account, Massimo Vidoni reflects on 15 years in Dubai, the people who supported his journey, and the opportunities that helped him build Italtouch
What’s more Dubai than our story?
On 15 October, 15 years ago, we arrived in Dubai with three suitcases and a one-year-old baby.
Dubai was intriguing. Having lived in New York for many years, I didn’t know quite what to expect. I still remember my first visit, discovering restaurants like Roberto’s and Zuma, and seeing the dream: the quality of the chefs, the restaurants, and a city and country that never stops moving, growing and getting stronger.
Within six months, I started Italtouch. It was black truffle season in Australia, so I took a chance and literally went door to door with fresh truffles and a set of scales. The same chefs who took a chance on me back then are still our clients today. I guess that’s one of Dubai’s defining characteristics: it’s full of people who aren’t afraid to try something new or take a chance on someone.
Fifteen years later, our range of truffle products, from butter and oils to vinegars aged from two to 100 years, alongside olives so big they barely fit on a spoon (Cerignola from Puglia), is sold across the UAE, GCC and Saudi Arabia.
We expanded into caviar soon after seeing the appetite for truffles. One thing that sets us apart is our belief in keeping caviar authentic: ours is never repacked and comes from leading sustainable farms. Truffle and caviar go hand in hand. Both are prized ingredients where quality and authenticity matter, particularly to top chefs.
Today, they’re also enjoyed by private clients who shop through our online store, italtouch.com.
This year has once again shown what Dubai is made of, and, more importantly, the people who make it what it is. For me, it’s the best place in the world to be.
We’re grateful to the UAE’s leadership, our clients and our friends for being part of this journey. Thank you to the UAE for giving us the opportunity to build our business here.
Here’s to the next 15 years!
Massimo Vidoni
Truffleman Dubai
