Saturday marks 20 years since China joined the World Trade Organization, opening the country to crucial economic and cultural exchanges. 

Italy has become one of the country's key trading partners, with many businesses crediting exports to China for their growth.

The Savini Truffle Company based in Tuscany is one of them.

"In China in the last 10 years, there has been continued expansion. I think it has increased 30-40 per cent, and it is continuing. It is incredible," says Cristiano Savini, the company's owner. 

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The family business dates back to 1920, making Cristiano the fourth generation of dedicated truffle hunters.

"The feeling is incredible – adventure, action, surprise. Every day, every morning, every hunt is different from the others," says Savini excitedly.

In 2007, the family business discovered the biggest and most expensive truffle in the world, which sold for $330,000.

Savini says it was a surreal experience: "It was a crazy and unique moment – my grandfather never even found a truffle of that dimension. We became the center of international attention."

Since then, their global sales have boomed, especially in Asia.

The company says with truffles increasingly embraced by Chinese culinary culture, the growth potential is significant.

"They use all kinds of truffles in different plates, because in China they use mushrooms more," says Savini.

Fiuto (meaning scent) is one of eight dogs that hunt for Savini's truffles year-round in the Pisa province. The animals have a special relationship with their master, working together according to a particular calendar and timeframe set by regional authorities.

From June to September, the black varieties can be found and from September to December the focus turns to the sought-after white varieties.

The white truffle is considered more prestigious because it is more difficult to find, has a unique rich flavor and a short lifespan.

The Savini Truffle Company says its goal is to one day have a representative based in China, to strengthen trade ties.

In the meantime, Fiuto and his friends will continue to work on their important side of the business in Italy.