Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-sectoral cooperation are the principles driving Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020 towards the celebration of their title year.
With the aim to collect ideas for their jubilee programme and discuss possible ways of cooperation, an extended EuReGa stakeholder meeting was organised on 23 September 2019. The aim of EU funded EuReGa project is to have food, food habits and gastronomy included and recognised in EU, regional and national strategies and policies. Both should be seen as a cultural asset and strong element in regional cultural identity and as a necessary tool to boost sustainable products and services.
The meeting gathered around 50 representatives from local SMEs and other organisations operating in different sectors such as food services (restaurants, cafeterias), food industry, tourism, hospitality, primary production and creative industries to name a few.
Pristine nature, countless lakes, fresh air, pure food and an authentic culture are the pivotal assets around which Kuopio is building an exciting jubilee programme, placing at the centre local SMEs and organisations from different sectors that collaborate to develop unforgettable experiences in the region both for the local community and visitors from around the world.
Held in the beautiful Koivumäki Manor in Kuopio, the meeting successfully contributed to strengthen local community’s support to the European Region of Gastronomy programme and to stimulate creative and innovative ideas to promote the region. Furthermore, it provided interesting networking opportunities for participants, who had the chance to develop new partnerships and novel ways of making business together.
Excitement for Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy 2020 is growing fast both inside and outside the region, and the programme for the title year, which has not been disclosed yet, has already arisen the curiosity of many. Tasty events and new initiatives are planned to enliven the region and place a spotlight on local gastronomy and culture.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.
7 October 2019
