IGCAT Newsletter Third Quarter 2026

 

IGCAT Newsletter Third Quarter 2026 IGCAT VOICE

From Tradition to a Shared Future As Central Dalmatia prepares for its year as European Region of Gastronomy 2027, we are increasingly aware that this title is not simply a recognition of what we already have. It is an invitation to consider what we want to preserve, strengthen and pass on. Our recent presentation at the European Parliament was an important moment in that journey.

Bringing Dalmatian gastronomy to Brussels during the “Days of Croatian Linguistic History, Culture and Gastronomy” event, meant bringing much more than food. It meant sharing a way of life shaped by the sea, islands, hinterland, seasonality, family tables and traditions such as Marenda – simple, social and deeply rooted in our identity. Yet heritage remains alive only when it has a future. For us, 2027 therefore represents an opportunity to connect tradition with innovation: to give greater visibility to local producers, encourage younger generations to value the knowledge of their communities, strengthen links between agriculture, gastronomy, culture and tourism, and create experiences that benefit both visitors and residents. Being part of IGCAT’s European and World Regions of Gastronomy Platform has also reminded us that regional identity grows stronger through exchange. We learn from other regions while rediscovering the value of our own resources. Our ambition is that the legacy of 2027 will extend far beyond one title year: a more connected region, confident in its identity and committed to ensuring that the flavours, knowledge and stories of Central Dalmatia continue to live, evolve and inspire. Ivana Vladović Director of the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County Central Dalmatia, European Region of Gastronomy 2027

News from IGCAT and the World Regions of Gastronomy

Balearic Islands join European Region of Gastronomy Platform as candidate for 2030 Award 1 October 2026 - Building on the success of Menorca European Region of Gastronomy 2022, a cross-island consortium of 21 stakeholders is paving the way for a future rooted in food culture, sustainability, and... Read more

2026 Food Film Menu: global dialogue on Youth Engagement & Food Heritage at Terra Madre 28 September 2026 - The 2026 Food Film Menu, IGCAT’s acclaimed showcase of short films celebrating food culture and sustainability, took center stage at Slow Food International’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, aligning wi... Read more

Heritage Bread at Terra Madre: Deep Roots, International Recognition and Biodiversity 27 September 2026 - A heritage loaf carries the story of the seeds from which it was grown, the land that sustained it and the generations who developed the skills to bake it. Digging deeply into these roots helps us understand what makes a bread culturally significant and what... Read more

IGCAT at Terra Madre 2026: Celebrating Gastronomy, Biodiversity & Storytelling for a Fairer Food System 26 September 2026 - Carlo Petrini would be proud of this year’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, organized by Slow Food in the heart of Turin. The message is clear and resonates with IGCAT: real change begins with real connections. Slow Food brought together 1,500 delegates f... Read more

A Journey from Dalmatian Marenda to European Region of Gastronomy 2027 18 September 2026 – Central Dalmatia captivated audiences at the European Parliament in Brussels during the “Days of Croatian Linguistic History, Culture and Gastronomy” event. The presentation highlighted the region’s rich cultural... Read more

Open Call for World and European Regions of Gastronomy 2030 Join IGCAT’s growing Platform and work with us to protect and promote your cultural and food diversity! Deadline for joining the Platform: 30 Jan. 2027 Deadline for applications: 31 May 2027 For more information: Open Call for World Regions of Gastronomy 2030

Current news from around the globe

Food, Land & Money - The case for ending the Agribusiness Financial Complex and funding the Peoples’ Food Web By Food, Land, and Money 25 September 2026 - A new report co-published by a dozen civil society organizations, reveals how the industrial food system is not broken – it’s working exactly as designed. By concentrating wealth in the hands of corporate po… Read more

From Forest to Sea: Building a Resilient Food Landscape in the Vallalta By Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President 21 September 2026 - The future of our food begins with the health of our landscape. Sant Iscle de Vallalta, Sant Cebrià de Vallalta and Sant Pol de Mar form part of one interconnected landscape. What happens to forests… Read more

Manabí’s 2025 Local Voluntary Review: A Commitment to Sustainable Development and the Dignity of Women Farmers By Prefectura de Manabí 27 July 2026 - As World Region of Gastronomy 2026, recognized by IGCAT, Manabí has positioned its gastronomic heritage as a driver of employment, responsible tourism, value chain strengthening, and the dignification… Read more

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. www.igcat.org info@igcat.org

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