Four provinces under the umbrella organisation of East Lombardy, European Region of Gastronomy 2017 participated in Il Bontà, Cremona’s fair for Italian gastronomic excellence, 11-14 November 2016. This was the 14th edition of Il BonTà, that strives to support gastronomic excellence on crafted and home-made food produce. The four provinces stregthened their ongoing collaboration with a shared stand and a dedicated round table entitled From production to the market, endorsed by Cremona Municipality and offered in collaboration with the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
Discussions focused on the project, the four provinces’ qualitative gastronomic offer and the benefits deriving from working together for a common objective: a sustainable food supply chain and an integrated and authentic tourist offer. The round table included interventions by Elena Viani, Scientific Secretary of East Lombardy, European Region of Gastronomy 2017; Barbara Manfredini, Cremona Council member for city’s quality of life and urban regeneration; and Massimo Rivoltini, President of Cremona Artesans Association and Cremona’s Ambassador for East Lombardy, European Region of Gastronomy 2017. The presentation attracted a considerable audience, ranging from hospitality schools students to local people and food-farming producers. l BonTà fair took place at Cremona Exhibition Centre and was attended by nearly 50000 visitors and hosted 163 exhibitors.
The round table concluded with a tasting of typical products from East Lombardy’s four provinces, includingFranciacorta, Bitto, Provolone and Grana Padano cheeses, Salame Cremona and other traditional culinary proposals.
East Lombrady was awarded the title European Region of Gastronomy 2017 at Expo Milan, under the patronage of DG Growth of the European Commission. East Lombardy’s plan for 2017 includes many events to support and promote SME’s working in authentic culinary food production. The European Region of Gastronomy Platform and Award aim to contribute to better quality of life in European regions, by highlighting distinctive food cultures, educating for better health and sustainability and stimulating gastronomic innovation. Candidate regions are invited to join a knowledge-exchange platform of European regions in order to further cross-border collaborations and develop shared initiatives. IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) organises the award with the support of European institutions. It is an international network of experts that aim to guide, facilitate and support leaders in cities, regions and cultural projects to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.