IGCAT:International jury recommends Banat for the European Region of Gastronomy 2028 title

 

PRESS RELEASE Banat recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2028 17 April 2026

An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Banat region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2028. After reviewing the bid book: Banat - “Fusion Beyond Borders. Bold Flavours. Diverse Origins. One Shared Table”, submitted on 7 November 2025, the jury visited the region from 13-17 April 2026. The aim of the visit was to assess the region’s appropriateness and readiness to host the title in 2028.The jury will prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations to support the region’s journey. During the visit, the jury met with more than 170 stakeholders from across the region such as food producers, local authorities, heritage experts, academics, business representatives, educationalists and local non-governmental entities concerned with the development and protection of Banat's food culture. The jury was pleased to get to know so many stakeholders from public, private, third sector and academic institutions and applauded the efforts of all involved in developing the candidacy and sharing plans for the region. After a four-day programme, the Jury concluded that Banat has the potential to become a global reference for gastronomy and therefore recommends that Banat receive the title for 2028. General comments Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President, congratulated Banat European Region of Gastronomy 2028 Consortium and all the remarkable stakeholders throughout the region for their exceptional hospitality, artistic elements and for presenting a candidacy deeply rooted in cultural diversity and collaboration. Dr. Dodd gave special recognition to the coordination team, led by Dr. Simona Neumann, and the Visit Timiș Association for designing a programme that successfully connects tradition, innovation, and community engagement. "Connectivity is an important element of this bid, and it has been wonderful to see how Timiș County Council (as project leader) has invested in this project for the benefit of the whole region. After travelling to Arad and Caraș-Severin counties and meeting with Presidents, Mayors and deeply engaged stakeholders, IGCAT is confident that this generosity will not go unrewarded, and that Arad and Caraș-Severin will find ways to collaborate with Timiș County Council and build a wider community of expertise because on this journey it is important to work together to make a difference. On this note, the Ambassadors for Banat 2028 have been exceptional, supporting every step of the Jury Visit, and making the whole Region proud." Dr. Dodd invited the jury to share their impressions. Dr. Edith Szivas, Vice-President of IGCAT and internationally known as a leading expert in sustainable tourism kicked off th reflections on the week. Focusing her attention on Innovation, Creativity, Tourism and Job Opportunities, Dr. Szivas praised: WeWilder Eco Campus and the Gugulandia Mixed Agricultural Cooperative as leading models for sustainable regional development through ecotourism. By bringing together biodiversity conservation, community-based tourism, innovation and design, they offer unique immersive experiences for the visitors in the idyllic environment of the Banat Mountains. Their work on food produce innovation adds value to the land and supports livelihoods through new employment and business creation. Sintar Manor, also known as Casa Buchberg as an outstanding example of a historic building restored recently by private investment to high standards, successfully combining traditional architecture, furniture and materials with contemporary design. It delivers high-quality slow tourism visitor experiences, preserves rural heritage while strengthening local identity and the areas' economic vitality. The Salbek Castle Association (SCA), an association dedicated to the revitalization and safeguarding of the Castel Salbek heritage ensemble, including both its tangible and intangible historical heritage. The Jury recognised the significant tourism potential through the Sibek Opera Masterclasses, cultural events, modern art and the planned hotel development. This transformative initiative connects heritage with gastronomy, art and culture, helping to further position Banat as a distinctive, year-round tourism destination. Pelican Boat, Bega Canal, a cultural and gastronomic experience linking heritage, urban regeneration, music and tourism, showcasing the canal and surrounding neighbourhoods as a living artery of the city. Petro Vaselo Winery, an organic winery offering the opportunity to explore the relationship between wine, music, terroir and gastronomy. The Jury also noted the successful symbiosis of contemporary architecture in the scenic landscape and praised the exquisite contemporary interpretation of traditional local food. Aramic Winery, reviving local viticulture traditions through family-driven local entrepreneurship and high-quality wine production rooted in place. The Jury also heard about the successful Timisoara Tasting Tour, an annual event "one ticket endless flavours", showcasing traditional, contemporary, local and international cuisine in the city, reflecting the region’s openness and creativity. Finally she noted, Casa del Sole (Timișoara), where the Jury experienced an excellent breakfast inspired by Balkan and Banatian traditions where they met representatives of the HoReTim Association. At this point, Dr. Szivas passed the floor to Jens Storli, promotor of Trondheim-Trøndelag European Region of Gastronomy 2022 and a cultural strategist who has attracted major global events to Norway such as Michelin star and Bocus d’Or. Focusing his attention on Citizen Involvement, Education and Empowerment, he noted that: Horetim impressed the jury due to their dedication to training and mentorship for young chefs and producers to help them meet the needs and standards of the industry. The Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti”, encountering engaged and highly motivated students who represent the future of the region’s economy, tourism, and food sector. The Jury was served a meal both professionally executed and enthusiastically presented by the students themselves. The school’s focus on entrepreneurship, including a student-led water project, illustrates how innovation and business understanding are integrated early in education. GIDE (Gastronomy, Innovation, Development and Education), raising standards in fine dining offers, while holding on to the heritage and promoting local products. “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences (USVT), a strong, internationally oriented academic environment with a clear ambition to act as a driving force in regional development. With students from 47 countries and extensive research collaborations in areas such as food safety and bioenergy, the university successfully combines academic excellence with practical “lab-to-table” initiatives. Its cooperation with local producers, for example through the Banat Honey Route, demonstrates how knowledge is translated into tangible regional value creation. The strong commitment of the leadership gives us great confidence in its continued development. Curtea Culorilor Association, the Jury witnessed a strong example of social entrepreneurship in practice. Through dedicated efforts, they have created inclusive job opportunities and training programs for vulnerable young women, notably through the Microfarm and Cheese Lab. The combination of social integration and high product quality - evidenced by award-winning cheese - makes this a truly exemplary initiative that successfully brings together social responsibility and food production. Jens Storli, then passed the word to Wendy Barrie, IGCAT Expert and amongst many other accolades is the writer of the Scottish Food Guide that has driven up food sustainability standards in restaurants and hotels across Scotland. Focusing on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability, she praised: CRIES & ASAT initiatives, very impressive, encapsulating ethical, sustainable, and local food education networks in a highly equitable manner. Groundbreaking, strong, fair to all, and highly commendable. They are real game changers. This was held at Reciproc Café & Deli (Timișoara), a model for responsible consumption and short food supply chains, connecting local producers with conscious consumers through ethical and solidarity-based initiatives. Infinity Honey (Moșnița Veche), demonstrates infectious energy and forward-thinking innovation, offering a wonderful range of honey flavours that beautifully reflect the essence of Banat. Farmely – Local Gastronomy Point (Dragșina), a fine example of this excellent creation, bringing visitors on farm to experience Banat food culture at its roots, where life slows down and flavours run deep thanks to those who work the land so admirably and prepare produce in their kitchen so skilfully. The result was memorable for all the right reasons. BioFarmland, a pioneer, proving to others that larger scale grain production can be kind to our planet, healthy, flavoursome and affordable. Their organic carefully sourced einkorn, spelt and mustard provide the backbone of their product lines with a thriving online shop. Educating consumers is also at the heart of their business and they are great communicators. Along the way the Jury met many marvellous producers, including Produced by Banat; tasting their award-winning bread, fruit, vegetables, fresh and cured meat products, cordials and liqueurs. They were delighted to meet the next generation of cheesemakers, gaining the knowledge alongside their family elders, continuing precious traditions, and young cooks and food writers creating books with the food culture of their grandparents in a manner they can be enjoyed today. Finally, Jury Member Levan Kharashtivili, IGCAT Expert and Cultural Strategist as well as Dean of the New Vision University in Georgia, focused on Visibility, Communication, Marketing, Legacy and Evaluation, and reflected on the region's strategic framework. He noted that Banat has developed a comprehensive communication and monitoring plan to support its 2028 title year and beyond. The communication strategy effectively translates the "Fusion Beyond Borders" concept into a clear narrative that builds local pride while positioning Banat as a premium, sustainable culinary destination internationally. By leveraging digital platforms, participatory events such as "Markets-in-the-Park", and cross-regional collaborations with Harghita and Dobrogea, the region ensures widespread and sustained visibility. Furthermore, the monitoring and evaluation framework is highly commendable, utilising clear KPIs, real-time data dashboards, and independent university assessments to track outcomes ranging from food-waste diversion to the growth of local start-ups. This evidence-based approach guarantees that the program will deliver measurable benefits for the community and establish a lasting legacy, including permanent structures such as the Banat Gastronomic Hub and the planned Banat Museum of Gastronomy. He noted that some of his colleagues had the advantage of arriving earlier and were able to discover hidden gems firsthand, experiencing the full depth of Banat's gastronomic landscape before the formal program began - a testament in itself to how naturally this region rewards curiosity. He added that hospitality throughout this visit was remarkable in both its range and its sincerity. Aside from all the meals enjoyed in the venues previously mentioned, he added: August – Pasta Bar, making a lasting impression not only as a charming, family-run restaurant that captures the intimate spirit of Banat hospitality, but also because it was the setting of a truly memorable Easter dinner. Degustaria, experienced at a local gastronomic point that embodies the very essence of Banat's culinary identity - the food left a lasting impression through a rare combination of precision, authenticity, and deep human warmth, turning a meal into an act of memory and place. Atlas Hotel, an elegant boutique hotel that housed us so perfectly for the whole week. Mocioni Manor deserves a special mention not only as another exemplary historic monument representative of Banat's noble heritage, but also as the magnificent setting of the grand finale: the "Imperial Dinner". This celebratory culmination of the jury visit brought together all the ambassador chefs of Banat in a remarkable display of collective creativity and shared purpose — proof of what a united culinary and cultural community can achieve when working toward a common vision. Recommendation The jury appreciated that the bid: Integrates the six different focus areas of IGCAT; Has had a genuine development with multiple stakeholders participating; Includes plans for Banat’s participation in IGCAT joint projects and demonstrates a commitment to the European dimension of this Award; Presents a long-term lasting legacy for the region; Shows a strong commitment from the regional partners to sustainability and quality food production; The Jury acknowledges that Banat is in a unique position as a historical meeting point of cultures, where gastronomy reflects centuries of exchange between Romanian, Serbian, Hungarian, German and other communities. This “fusion beyond borders” is not a concept, but a lived reality embedded in everyday life. Banat’s gastronomic ecosystem across urban and rural settings, from academic institutions to farms, from artisan producers to hospitality leaders suggests that Banat has strong foundations and potential to deliver a meaningful and impactful European Region of Gastronomy year and therefore based on the written application and the visit to the region, the jury decided that Banat should be recommended for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2028. This recommendation will be formally ratified at the next IGCAT Advisory Forum on 10 June 2026 and the Banat 2028 Coordinator and Presidents of the regions will be sent a written confirmation. The jury looks forward to seeing Banat developing its 2028 programme and preparations unfold for the region’s Award Ceremony. On a final note, the jury are positive that the journey ahead will further strengthen connections, deepen long-term impact and share Banat’s story with Europe and beyond. Jury composition Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President accompanied the independent jury to ensure that all financial, governance and legal aspects will ensure a long-term legacy for the region. The independent jury members were: Dr. Edith Szivas, Vice-President of IGCAT and internationally known as a leading expert in sustainable tourism, focused her attention on Innovation, Creativity, Tourism and Job Opportunities; Wendy Barrie, IGCAT Expert and amongst many other accolades is the writer of the Scottish Food Guide that has driven up food sustainability standards in restaurants and hotels across Scotland, focusing on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability; Jens Storli, promotor of Trondheim-Trøndelag European Region of Gastronomy 2022 and a cultural strategist who has attracted major global events to Norway such as Michelin star and Bocus d’Or, focusing his attention on Citizen Involvement, Education and Empowerment; Levan Kharashtivili, IGCAT Expert and Cultural Strategist as well as Dean of the New Vision University in Georgia, focusing on Visibility, Communication, Marketing, Legacy and Evaluation; Accompanied by: Matilde Ferreira, IGCAT International Projects Manager, and Sergio Ruiz, IGCAT Photographer. Acknowledgements: The Jury wishes to thank all the people met, in order of appearance during the Visit: Alfred Robert Simonis — President, Timiș County Council Cornelia Micicoi — Prefect, Timiș County Liliana Oneț — Subprefect, Timiș County Deian Popov — Subprefect, Timiș County Dr. Simona Neumann — Visit Timiș Dr. Sorina Ciurlea — Visit Timiș Bianca Vințan — Visit Timiș Adrian Mitar — Visit Timiș Andrei Manea — Visit Timiș Meda Skeja — Visit Timiș Marilena Drăghicescu — Visit Timiș Daniel Popa — Visit Timiș Mariana Erbsloeh — Visit Timiș Monica Ocnean — Visit Timiș Adriana Lazarov — Visit Timiș Mihaela Calescu — Visit Timiș Prof. Dr. Victor Neumann — University of Arts Bucharest Daniel Alexan — August Pasta Bar Ovidiu Popa — PEJ Company Robert Harabulă — West University of Timișoara Horea Crișovan — Musician, Timișoara Emanuel Cernescu — Graphic Designer Radu Golban — Lions United Dan Nagy — Local Tour Guide Mihaela Vețan — CRIES/ ASAT Sergiu Florean — CRIES/ ASAT Adalbert Marton — Agape Wine Farm Adrian Sinulici — Independent Brewery Alexandru Adrian Iovescu — Timiș County Council Alin Augustin Popoviciu — Timiș County Council Corina Macri — HoReTim / Casa del Sole Daniel Țucu — Local hospitality entrepreneur Cătălin Tiuch — Recaș Hills Călin Ionescu — Produced in Banat Delioara Barbu — My Banat Laura Laurențiu — Degustaria Adam Crăciunescu — Aramic Winery Nicolae-Florin Bitea — Timiș County Council Dejan Marcov — Nora Group Miruna Lazăr — Del Corso Group Raluca Ardelean — Moara Maria Mihai Țolea — Țolea Farm Florin Kiss — GIDE Association Miroslav Romanov — Banat ERG 2028 Ambassador Bogdan Lovin — IGCAT and Young Chef Ambassador for Banat 2028 Prof. Dr. Cosmin Alin Popescu — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Dorin Camen — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Imre Kalman — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Adina Horablaga — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Assoc. Prof. Mariana Ramona Ciolac — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Tabita Cornelia Adamov — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Diana Nicoleta Raba — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Călin Ionel Jianu — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Ersilia Călina Alexa — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Nicoleta Gabriela Hădărugă — USVT Doctoral School Prof. Dr. Camelia Tulcan — USVT “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences of Timișoara Prof. Dr. Silvia Pătruică — USVT Faculty of Bioengineering Assoc. Prof. Monica Diana Obiștioiu — USVT Faculty of Agriculture Eng. Radu Ciucur — Infinity Honey Angelica Morar — L.G.P. Farmely Marius Morar — L.G.P. Farmely Claudia Morar — L.G.P. Farmely Petra Morar — L.G.P. Farmely Dan Vîrtosu — Mayor, Giroc Commune Claudiu Biraș — Vice Mayor, Giroc Commune Vukomir Radanov — Marketing Manager for Laura Laurențiu Adriana Formenti — President, Curtea Culorilo Association Luiza Dalera — Pasta Factory, Curtea Culorilo Association Petronela — Cheese Laboratory Coordinator, Curtea Culorilo Association Rosa — Pasta Factory Staff, Curtea Culorilo Association Gabriela — Cook and Cheese Atelier Staff, Curtea Culorilo Association Daniela — Pasta Coordinator, Curtea Culorilo Association Alexandru Catrinoi — Mayor, Racovița Commune Ariana Negru — General Director, Petrovaselo Winery Andreea Iovescu — Cook, Petrovaselo Winery Roxana Dehelean — Financial Manager, Petrovaselo Winery Diana Ionescu — Regional Sales Manager, Petrovaselo Winery Igor — Commercial Assistant, Petrovaselo Winery Aurel Adrian Pavel — Mayor, Recaș Town Hall Cosmin Chira — Mayor, Remetea-Mare Commune Dr. Tiberiu Abraham — Swine Production Cooperative Cristian Gunter — Local Entrepreneur Rebeca Samuelsson — Beck Corlan Band Rebeca Bere — Harpist Paula Roxana Kasai — Timiș County Employment Agency Adriana Pau — Principal, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Raluca Saftiuc — Deputy Principal, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Ana Elena Ciocodeica — Teacher, Culinary Arts, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Olivia Jivănescu — Teacher, Practice Enterprise Programs, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Fabian Pruteanu — Student, National Gastronomy Team, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Andrei Berghiu — Student, Banqueting Specialization, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Mihnea Cuț — Student, Youth Business Summit, Economic College “Francesco Saverio Nitti” Ana Maria Mihăescu — President, Salbek Castle Association Teodor Mihăescu — Founding Member, Salbek Castle Association Iustin Cionca — President, Arad County Council Petru Antal — Mayor, Pecica Commune Sergiu Bîlcea — Vice-President, Arad County Council Andrei Ando — Arad County Council Ionel-Gheorghe Berari — Mayor, Petriș Commune Ioan Vodicean — Mayor, Săvârșin Commune Adina Vodicean — Teacher, „King Michael I” Highschool Săvârșin Eugen Petca — Local Producer, Salbek Castle Association Maria Sere — Local Producer, Salbek Castle Association Prof. Pavel Suian — International Relationships and Diplomacy Loredana Postolache — Bread Festival Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Avram — Agriculture Faculty, USAMV Cluj Napoca Laszlo-Arpad Mihaly — Explore Zarand Association Daniel Onica — Poultry Farm Owner Ana Drăguș — Local Gastronomy Representative Claudia Florea — Local Gastronomy Representative Niculina Plic — Local Gastronomy Representative Paul Sebe — Local Gastronomy Representative Florin Drăguș — Local Gastronomy Representative Katharina Hani — BioFarmland Tania Dinu — Sintar Manor / Timișoara Tasting Tour Iasmin Iovănuț — Mayor, Bogda Commune Gheorghe Dorel Carcea — Mayor, Fibiș Commune Andrei-Raul Obreja — Mayor, Pișchia Commune Ionel Lupu — Mayor, Mașloc Commune Claudiu Mihălceanu — Mayor, Giarmata Commune Alexander Degianski — Forest and Biomass România S.A. Veronica Kretten — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Cristian Spoeală — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Daiana Matirel — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Alexandru Felciuc — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Ana-Maria Șelariu — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Adelin Niculea — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Cosmina Titieni — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Vlad Florescu — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Bianca Costea — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Miron Surdea — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Gheorghe Sarchis — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Adrian Safta — „Sânziene Bănățene” Folklore Ensemble of Giarmata Commune Ioan Dragomir — Prefect, Caraș-Severin County Silviu Hurduzeu — President, Caraș-Severin County Council Ovidiu Rădoi — Vice President, Caraș-Severin County Council Ioan Cristian Vela — Mayor, Armeniș Commune Nicolae Novăcescu — Mayor, Cornereva Commune Maria Damian — Mayor, Teregova Commune Gheorghe Roma — Mayor, Slatina-Timiș Commune Cristian Bîtea — Executive Director, Caraș-Severin County Council Pavel Borchescu — Executive Director, Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate of Caraș Severin Damian Maria — Principal, “Saint Dimitrie” Technological High School Paula Bora — Rewilding Romania Foundation Oana Mondoc — WeWilder Association Alina Floroi — WeWilder Association Noemi Hugel — WeWilder Association Dosia Vela — WeWilder Association Maria Miculescu — WeWilder Association David Miculescu — WeWilder Association Aneta Miculescu — WeWilder Association Ana Almăjan — WeWilder Association Ana Vetreș — WeWilder Association Ioan Vetreș — WeWilder Association Ioana Panoran — WeWilder Association Ion Bibi Vela — WeWilder Association Matei Miculescu — WeWilder Association Mirela Feneș — WeWilder Association Ștefania Bijan — WeWilder Association Saveta Moldovan — Mayor, Foeni Commune Silvia Fechete — Mayor, Otelec Commune Alina Maria Sauca — BCR – Erste Bank Dana Prochin — BCR – Erste Bank Dr. Corina Pădurariu — Timiș County Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate Florin Ardelean — Timiș County Public Health Directorate Ruxandra Adam — Timiș County Council Nicoleta Adelina Iovescu — Local Action Group Freidorf Jiva Marcov — Nora Group Romana Rista — Food Blogger / Culinary Diplomat Ioan Bebeșelea — Chef, WeWilder and Banat 2028 Ambassador Vasile Guștere — Chef Daniel Cheregi — Chef Manu Michelbach — Chef Cristina Șerban — Produced in Banat Laurențiu Viorel Gîdei — State Secretary for Tourism, Romanian Government Iosif Cervid — Videographer, Uni World Media Raphael Gligor — Photographer, Uni World Media Constantin Duma — Photographer, Agerpres About the World/ European Region of Gastronomy Award The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is the operative institute that oversees the management and coordination of the European Region of Gastronomy Award. IGCAT believes that cross-sectoral collaboration will help regions find solutions to current day challenges and thus, the Award is not only given because a region has great gastronomy but because the whole region is working together to create a more sustainable food future. IGCAT encourages not only hospitality industries to participate but everyone across the whole eco-system including public, private, NGO and academic institutions. The first step in applying for the Award is to bring these different entities together. The next stage is to create a bid book that pulls together as many great initiatives as possible so that people within the region themselves can begin to appreciate how rich their resources are. The third stage is a jury visit that concludes with a recommendation for IGCAT Board and a report to help the region in preparing a successful journey. Candidate and awarded European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and regenerative tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, ultimately creating connections and sharing good practises; and contributing to community health and well-being. www.igcat.org www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org info@igcat.org www.igcat.org www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org      © 2026 IGCAT, All rights reserved