Crete was officially awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) recognizing Crete’s unique culinary identity, dedication to sustainable practices, and commitment to promoting the richness of its traditional food culture.
On October 9 2024, Crete was officially awarded the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). Upon receiving the Award from IGCAT Expert and Chair of the Jury delegation, Davinia Galea, the Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, thanked the numerous stakeholders who contributed to the initiative, acknowledging the collaborative effort involved.
“This award belongs to all the stakeholders who participated in this effort. We continue forward together, and as the Region of Crete, we extend our heartfelt thanks to them, as well as to Ploigos, which took on the responsibility of submitting the nomination, and to all our partners who contributed to this important distinction”, he emphasized.
The award ceremony was held at the Atlantis Hotel, in Heraklion, where the Regional Governor, Mr. Arnaoutakis, expressed his pride in the recognition of the island’s gastronomic heritage: “Today marks a great day for Crete. The Cretan diet is emerging as an investment for the future, as more tourists are drawn to experience our local flavours and traditional products”.
“We are proud to have taken this significant step toward reinforcing Crete’s gastronomic identity on a global scale,” Mr. Arnaoutakis concluded. He further emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to elevate the island’s culinary heritage and contribute to a sustainable food future for Crete.
The nomination was spearheaded by Ploigos – Education and Development Company in collaboration and with the support of the Region of Crete. The application process, completed in 5 December 2023, was evaluated by an international jury that visited the island from May 27-31, 2024. The jury assessed Crete’s readiness to hold the title and were thoroughly impressed by the island’s dedication to integrating tradition with sustainability. More than 60 stakeholders were engaged during the visit, including representatives from agriculture, culture, tourism, academia, and local government.
The event offered also the opportunity to present a fellow awarded region for 2026 and briefly explain their local food and bid for the title: Gozo (Malta), represented by Gozo’s Regional Council Cultural Manager, Naomi Galea and ARC Research & Consultancy Managing Director and IGCAT Expert, Davinia Galea.
Crete’s path to the title
After reviewing the bid book CRETE: Experience The Gastronomic Magic Of Simplicity submitted on 5 December 2023, the jury visited the region (27-31 May, 2024) to assess its readiness to host the title in 2026.
The jury met with more than 60 leading stakeholders and organisations in the region and agreed that the exceptional food and hospitality found in Crete. The jury commended the region for its commitment to local development through the promotion of sustainable food systems and its circular economy. Moreover, they noted that the bid presented a long-term lasting legacy for the island.
On this basis, they recommended the region for the title to the IGCAT Board, that officially approved Crete to be awarded European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
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.
Main source and photo credit: Region of Crete, Photos by Michalis Kapsalis.
16 October 2024
