Catalonia officially launched its action plan as World Region of Gastronomy 2025. With over 50 actions to be implemented across the region and internationally over the next 12 months, this exceptional programme aims to strengthen Catalonia as a world-renowned sustainable gastronomic destination.
Held on 9 December 2024 at the Time Out Market in Barcelona, the ceremony was attended by local stakeholders and professionals linked to the gastronomy sector. The event counted on the presence and support of President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, as well as Councillor for Business and Employment, Miquel Sàmper, Councillor for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food, Òscar Ordeig, and Dr Diane Dodd, President of the awarding International Institute of Gastronomy Culture Arts and Tourism (IGCAT).
President Salvador Illa emphasized that Catalonia’s designation as the World Region of Gastronomy 2025 is “a great opportunity” that must be seized, and the Government is “fully committed” to this “unprecedented” programme.
“Gastronomy is one of Catalonia’s main strengths and treasures, and today Catalonia is experiencing the best gastronomic moment in its history, with the greatest international recognition,” he affirmed. “If today Catalonia is the first European region to be recognized as the World Region of Gastronomy 2025, it is because we have earned it through hard work, effort, and talent—especially yours,” he added, addressing the attending audience. He also affirmed that the government has allocated an initial budget of 15 million euros.
Toni Massanés, from Fundació Alícia and IGCAT expert in Catalonia, highlighted that the award is not just about Michelin stars but addresses fundamental challenges such as improving nutrition for the wider population and emphasizing good, healthy food for everyone.
Delia Perpiñà Giné, Director for the Award presented an action plan with no less than 14 programmes that aim to position Catalonia as a leading global reference in food and wine tourism, support the primary sector and raise awareness about the need to protect and promote Catalonia’s rich culinary heritage.
“Catalonia has made a firm commitment to wine and food tourism, a strategic sector for the country’s development,” explained Councillor Sàmper. “The World Region of Gastronomy designation should help us reinforce the profile of the responsible tourist we seek for Catalonia—a visitor who feels like a temporary resident and is respectful of the destination.”
For his part, Councillor Ordeig stated that “Catalonia wants to rise to the responsibility of being the first European region recognized with the World Region of Gastronomy distinction, a joint and participatory project where all sectors involved can feel identified and play an active role.” He also stressed the importance of focusing on the first link in the value chain to preserve the region’s vibrant and rich gastronomic fabric: “farmers, fishers, and food producers who provide the ingredients that are the cornerstone of Catalan cuisine.”
A Program with 50 Initiatives
Dèlia Perpiñà presented the region’s programme for 2025, highlighting the main initiatives that will be implemented at local, national and international level to position Catalonia as a benchmark for food and wine tourism. Among them:
- Educational Programme on Food – A food education program will be launched to promote Catalan cuisine and the Mediterranean diet as drivers of quality and health in schools. This includes pilot workshops in 12 schools, where upper-level culinary students will lead sessions for secondary school students.
- High-Quality Fiction Series – Catalonia will produce a high-level fiction series showcasing its culinary and landscape richness both locally and internationally. Scheduled for filming next year and release in 2026, it will be available on 3Cat and other international platforms.
- 12 Months, 12 Gastronomic Landscapes – This initiative will highlight Catalonia’s territorial diversity and culinary wealth throughout the year. Each month in 2025 will focus on a specific gastronomic landscape, with local government-designed projects.
- 12 Months, 12 Denominations of Origin (DOs) – This action will promote Catalan wines with DO certification to enhance awareness and appreciation of Catalan winemaking.
- Heroes of the Pantry, will encourage collaboration among professional organisations to showcase and promote key Catalan gastronomic products, such as olive oil, milk, wine, meat, and fruits.
- Catalan Food International Promotion Programme that will run international promotions of Catalan products throughout the year including cooking shows, tastings, and sales promotions in key strategic markets.
- Launch of the Taste the Grand Tour of Catalonia – This new wine and food route will allow visitors to explore Catalonia through its culinary offerings, following the itinerary of the Grand Tour of Catalonia.
- The Som Gastronomia World Tour – A series of international presentations will be organised to promote Catalonia as a top destination for wine and food tourism, positioning it as a leader in this sector globally.
- Workshop Catalunya ve de gust (Catalonia is Appetising) – A networking event that will connect sellers and buyers in the food and wine tourism sector.
- Professional Development for Agro-Food Businesses that will help agro-food enterprises increase their competitiveness and prepare for public engagement. This initiative supports participants in the Benvingut a Pagès (BaP) program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year, providing a platform for farms to connect with visitors.
- Immersive Spaces and New Infrastructure including interpretation centres devoted to different products of the Catalan gastronomy (e.g. wine, fish and seafood, agro-food) and located in different areas within the region.
- New Walking and Cycling Routes for visitors to explore local products and the landscapes they come from.
These initiatives and many more, aim to reinforce Catalonia’s position as a world-class destination for food and wine tourism while celebrating its rich culinary heritage and cultural identity.
Main source: govern.cat
Photo credit: Beth Magre
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/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; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness 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 founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.
16 December 2024
