IGCAT newsletter

 

IGCAT Newsletter Fourth Quarter 2024 IGCAT VOICE

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!

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. 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. 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. 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. IGCAT Team

IGCAT newsletter

 

PRESS RELEASE 29 November 2024 Marta Minoves from Catalonia World Region of Gastronomy 2025 was announced European Young Chef for 2024 on 29 November. With her dish Fonda Tor. She impressed the international jury, chaired by Michelin-starred chef Martina Caruso, from Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025. The jury unanimously awarded this dish first prize, praising its exceptional blend of flavours and its deep connection to the traditional recipe. They highlighted its fine dining and elegant presentation, perfectly balanced and beautifully portioned. The jury noted that Marta is a true chef. The jury commended all participants for their exceptional commitment to sustainability and their strong focus on supporting local producers, which greatly enhanced the quality of each dish. With such outstanding representation of their regions, every one of the finalists is a winner! Eight finalists from across Europe

IGCAT update

 

*ENGLISH VERSION BELOW* Se vuelve a compartir la nota de prensa con la foto correcta NOTA DE PRENSA Manabí recomendado para el título de Región Mundial de Gastronomía 2026 26 de octubre de 2024 El jurado internacional compuesto por cuatro expertos internacionales, acompañado por la presidenta de IGCAT, Diane Dodd PhD, ha considerado la candidatura de la región de Manabí para el título de Región Mundial de la Gastronomía 2026. Después de revisar el libro de candidatura, Manabí Gastronomy from the middle of the world presentado el 30 de diciembre de 2023, el jurado ha visitado la región del 20 al 26 de octubre de 2024. El objetivo de la visita ha consistido en evaluar la idoneidad y preparación de la región para ostentar el título en 2026. El jurado preparará un informe detallado con recomendaciones para apoyar el desarrollo de la región. En primer lugar, el jurado desea felicitar a cada manabita por el bicentenario de la provincia y señala que éste es un momento extraordinario para lanzar una nueva visión de futuro, Manabí Gastronomía Milenaria. También, nos gustaría felicitar el trabajo de las cuatro instituciones del Comité Promotor, dado que es un ejemplo de unidad entre todos los sectores de la sociedad (publica, privado, académico y ONGs). Y la campaña Manabí Gastronomía Milenaria, que, a través de contenidos audiovisuales de alta calidad, han conseguido más de 11,000 adheridos. Asimismo, el jurado felicita la publicación de Manabí Gastronomía Milenaria 200 recetas sus relatos y sus secretos que será una biblia para futuros cocineros que quieran hacer innovaciones con identidad.

IGCAT,update

 

PRESS RELEASE Harghita recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027 11 October 2024 An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Harghita region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2027. After reviewing the bid book: Harghita submitted on 31 May 2024, the jury visited the region, 6-11 October 2024. The aim of the visit was to assess the region’s appropriateness and readiness to host the title in 2027. The jury will prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations to support the region’s journey. During the visit, the jury met with more than 100 stakeholders from across the region such as tourism directors, local authorities, heritage experts, academics, business representatives, educationalists and local non-governmental entities concerned with the development and protection of Harghita’s culture and contributors to the region’s bid. 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 from many sectors in the strategies and plans for the region.

IGCAT Newsletter Third Quarter 2024

IGCAT Newsletter Third Quarter 2024 IGCAT VOICE

Food is a key sector to transform crisis into opportunity. In the Ecuadorian province of Manabí, candidate for the World Region of Gastronomy 2026 award, gastronomy is a source of identity, pride, and regenerative tourism and as such, it has been declared intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture. Following the earthquake that struck the region in 2016, the pandemic of 2020 and rising violence throughout the country, the World Region of Gastronomy Award offers a valuable opportunity not only to capitalize on its food richness, but also to unite different sectors and local actors towards a common goal.

The prestigious title that we hope to obtain, bestowed by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), provides the tools to build a strong shared vision for a better future in Manabí. The Latitude Iche Gastronomic Route (first of its kind in Ecuador) has already played a pivotal role in uniting local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to present Manabí’s candidacy for World Region of Gastronomy 2026. The result of a shared, cross-sectoral work, the candidacy has sparked a wave of enthusiastic energy that will allow us to build a more just, innovative, inclusive and cohesive society.

IGCAT,update

 

PRESS RELEASE Unveiling the winners of the Food Film Menu 2024 19 September 2024 Crete - Sense the Authentic Taste, a short film that captures the aspirations of a young, innovative chef through the proud eyes of her mother, won the 1st Prize in IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2024 competition. The winner from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026, was announced together with 2nd Prize, An Ode to West Jutland – Sander Mollerup; 3rd Prize, Discover the Magic of Thai Flavours; and the Public’s Favourite Film, Origin, at an award ceremony organised in the framework of Terres Travel Festival, on 19 September 2024. Attended by a delegation of over 40 international and local representatives from IGCAT, the World Regions of Gastronomy Platform and further regions from across the globe, the event was held in the suggestive atmosphere of the Cripta de la Reparació in Tortosa, as part of the 8th Terres Travel Festival.

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GASTRONOMY,CULTURE,ARTS & TOURISM,newsletter

 

IGCAT Newsletter Second Quarter 2024 IGCAT VOICE

Having dedicated much of my life to advocating for the protection of our food supply and preserving the nutrients of our local food culture in contemporary diets, I am thrilled to support Vanuatu’s nomination for World Region of Gastronomy 2027. Our journey has not been easy, with global foods becoming increasingly prevalent in daily life in Vanuatu. However, we received a significant boost when Robert Oliver invited me to co-host the Pacific Islands Food Revolution. The TV show propelled our beautiful nation of islands into the spotlight, and I am immensely proud of our team that won the first season.

This month, I was honored to receive IGCAT's Ambassador Award, which, to me, recognizes the efforts of our ancestors, dedicated colleagues, and my supportive family who stood by me even when others doubted the value of investing in local food. Today, our small family enterprise employs over 40 people and supports local farms. I sleep well at night knowing we are making a positive impact on people's lives and health without harming the planet. Our humble approach demonstrates that it is possible, and now we are part of Regenerative Vanua, a movement in the Pacific committed to restoring our lands to the ways of our ancestors and honoring Vanuatu’s rich nutritional heritage. I eagerly look forward to welcoming you to Vanuatu in 2027. Votausi Mackenzie-Reur IGCAT Honorary Ambassador Chairlady, Regenerative Vanua

IGCAT News

EXTENDED DEADLINE | 2 July IGCAT's Food Film Menu 2024 28 June 2024 - IGCAT's search for short food films to be included in the Food Film Menu 2024 goes on! Unleash your creativity and become an ambassador for cultural and food diversity! Open call and registration: Food Film Menu 2024 New submissions deadline: 2 July 2024

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GASTRONOMY,CULTURE,ARTS & TOURISM,update

 

PRESS RELEASE Crete recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 31 May 2024

An international jury comprising four experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd, PhD, evaluated the application of the Crete region for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026. After reviewing the bid book, Crete: Experience the Gastronomic Magic of Simplicity submitted on December 5, 2023, the jury visited the region from May 27-31, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to assess the region’s suitability and readiness to host the title in 2026. The jury will prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations to support the region’s journey.

IGCAT PRESS RELEASE

 

PRESS RELEASE Kvarner recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 17 May 2024 An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Kvarner region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2026. After reviewing the bid book: Diversity is Beautiful submitted on 5 December 2023, the jury visited the region, 13-17 May 2024. The aim of the visit was to assess the region’s appropriateness and readiness to host the title in 2026. The jury will prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations to support the region’s journey. During the visit, the jury met with more than 72 stakeholders from across the mountains, coast and islands such as local authorities, tourism directors, heritage experts, academics, business representatives, educationalists and local entities concerned with the development and protection of Kvarner as a gastronomic region. 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 from many sectors in the strategies and plans for the region.

IGCAT update

 

PRESS RELEASE IGCAT's World Food Gift Challenge awards 10 top products in Aseer 26 April 2024 In celebration of food and cultural diversity, IGCAT’s 5th World Food Gift Challenge awarded 10 unique food and food-related craft products, selected by an international jury of experts. Hosted by Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024, the competition put the international spotlight on local producers who manufacture fine, one-of-a-kind items related to world and European Regions of Gastronomy culinary traditions. Held at the world-class King Khalid University campus in Abha on 25 April, the World Food Gift Challenge 2024 gathered 25 products from eight awarded and candidate World/European Regions of Gastronomy including: South Aegean (awarded 2019); Menorca (awarded 2022); Aseer (awarded 2024); Catalonia (awarded 2025); Sicily (awarded 2025); Gozo (candidate 2026); Kvarner (awarded 2026); and Manabí (awarded 2026). A competition to celebrate food and cultural diversity The 10 most outstanding gastronomic gifts were identified through an intense evaluation process based on a set of criteria such as taste, attractiveness, sustainability, connection to the region they come from, storytelling, creativity and innovation.

IGCAT Newsletter First Quarter 2024

 

IGCAT Newsletter First Quarter 2024 IGCAT VOICE

Saimaa, our wonderful and unique lake district has the pleasure to host the European Region of Gastronomy title this year. Preparing for the title year has brought us together in a whole new way. We have succeeded in breaking down provincial and sectoral boundaries. Over 170 actors have joined our wide network of cooperation: companies, associations, educational institutions, and development projects in our region. Three provinces and nine cities are also involved as enablers. We want to keep the threshold for participation as low as possible. Everyone is welcome to build our common future and a more attractive and experiential Saimaa region.

Our festive year of food and cultural tourism is off to an active start. More than 100 events have already been added to our event calendar. In the beginning of the year the events ranged from winter fishing to traditional pie-baking workshops. As summer approaches, the whole region will be filled with a fantastic range of events combining food and culture. We welcome the summer by challenging the whole region to open their saunas to our visitors. There is certainly no town or village during the summer that is not full of events. From opera festivals to food markets, the cities in our region offer high quality experiences. Nature will also be at its best, inviting everyone to come and experience the excellent campsites and collect nature's bounty on a plate. When autumn arrives, our nature is a treasure trove. It really is worth visiting Saimaa more than once to experience the diversity of our seasons.