 | | | IGCAT Newsletter Fourth Quarter 2024 |
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IGCAT has had an extraordinary year, starting with Saimaa, Finland, as it opened its tenure as the European Region of Gastronomy 2024. This winter wonderland welcomed us with a seminar designed to empower the local community by sharing knowledge from previously awarded regions, and it was the venue to release the Top 10 Foodie Websites for 2024 that provide culinary tourism inspiration.
We returned in the summertime to a transformed landscape of lush forests and pristine lakes, where Saimaa’s unique combination of arts, culture, and gastronomy was on full display. Over the year, Saimaa hosted an impressive 460+ events, garnering international press attention valued at over 14 million euros. Congratulations to Saimaa for an outstanding year of achievements! |
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In a historic first, the Aseer region in the Middle East was designated as a World Region of Gastronomy 2024, hosting IGCAT’s Experts Meeting and the 2024 World Food Gift Challenge. These events celebrated sustainable and innovative food products rooted in regional heritage, showcasing local craftsmanship and environmental awareness.
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The international Food Film Menu 2024 Awards hosted by Catalonia World Region of Gastronomy 2025, this year presented 14 specially curated short films that connect gastronomy, sustainability, and culture. This powerful visual storytelling emphasizes food traditions as an important part of building an environmentally smart future. The films were then screened at prominent festivals worldwide, including Slow Food’s Terra Madre, setting the stage for deeper collaboration based on our shared values.
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The year concluded with the 2024 European Young Chef Award in Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2025. In its 8th edition, culinary talents were given a stage to shine. This event fostered creativity and highlighted sustainable approaches to preserving and innovating local food traditions.
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| As our movement of World and European Regions of Gastronomy grows, these milestones underscore IGCAT’s commitment to promoting sustainable, culturally enriched gastronomy worldwide. |
Stay tuned for much more in 2025 and if you haven’t already, please join us on our road to a more sustainable food future.
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| News from IGCAT and the World Regions of Gastronomy | |
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| | 16 December 2024 - Catalonia officially launched its action plan as World Region of Gastronomy 2025. With over 50 actions to be implemented across the region and internationally over the next 12 months, this exceptional programme aims to strengthen Catalonia as a world-renowned sustainable gastronomic destination… Read more |
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| Join IGCAT’s growing Platform and work with us to protect and promote your cultural and food diversity!
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| Deadline for joining the Platform: 30 Jan. 2025 |
| Deadline for applications: 31 May 2025 |
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| | 1 December 2024 - Marta Minoves from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025, was crowned European Young Chef 2024 on 29 November for her dish Fonda Tor, which wowed the jury, chaired by Michelin-starred chef Martina Caruso, with its exceptional flavors, elegant ... Read more |
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| | 18 December 2024 - Kvarner was officially awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) recognizing the region’s exceptional commitment to local gastronomy, cultural heritag… Read more |
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| | 29 November 2024 - The European Young Chef Award 2024 finalists have joined the ranks of IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassadors, pledging to champion local food, celebrate culinary diversity, and promote sustainability. This growing network, formed since 2016, highlights the … Read more |
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| | 26 October 2024 - An international jury, led by IGCAT President, reviewed Manabí’s bid for World Region of Gastronomy 2026, praising its comprehensive proposal. Having the opportunity to speak with over 116 stakeholders … Read more |
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| | 16 October 2024 - Crete was officially awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) recognizing Crete’s unique culinary identity, … Read more |
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| | 11 October 2024 - Four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, considered the application of Harghita region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2027. After reviewing the bid book, the jury … Read more |
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| Current news from around the globe | |
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| | 4 December 2024 - The Greek Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) hosted the “Climate Challenge” conference on November… Read more |
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| | 4 October 2024 - Swiss author, landscape architect, and photographer Jonas Frei unveils the hidden beauty of seeds through his striking photography. His work bridges art and conservation, revealing the immense… Read more |
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| | IGCAT carries out research, collects knowledge and develops projects to support creative solutions in regional and local development. This newsletter is just a small selection of news from the past three months. IGCAT compiles trends and facts from around the world.
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    | | © 2024 IGCAT, All rights reserved |
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