Two Michelin star restaurants, home to the Best Chef of the Year 2019 and nominated to be European Region of Gastronomy in 2022, Trondheim is the newest foodie destination that is starting to make a ripple with its special attention to Nordic Flavours. Jens Storli, from Visit Trondheim noted that “many people have contributed to the region being more and more recognised as a food destination.”
This week, demonstrated this fact with over 185 local food producers as well as 30 local breweries from seven counties contributing to an impressive food festival in the region’s capital Trondheim. The Food Festival (and Brewery Festival) have grown into national events with Norwegians flocking to the city to taste the best produce and latest innovations and has all the potential to become a calendar event for international gastronomes.
The Minister of Education and Integration, Jan Tore Sanner opened the celebrations on a cautionary note «in order to be sustainable young people will need to be attracted back into farming industries.» This is a sentiment largely shared by IGCAT and joined thinking on this dilemma is being sought.
The strong commitment on the side of both public and private stakeholders to produce the best quality and healthiest options, coupled with a commitment to educate future generations, and share wonderful food and food experiences with international visitors, will be key to the region’s success. Trondheim is developing a new vision for a sustainable food destination by highlighting the region’s fresh food and nature.
A protocol agreement was signed officially with IGCAT during the food festival celebrations on 2 August at the Church of her Lady in front of an enthusiastic audience of gastronomes, restaurateurs, food producers, philosophers and the general public. The protocol was signed on behalf of IGCAT by President, Dr. Diane Dodd who noted that the hard work of all stakeholders in the region will put Trondheim on the international map as an exemplary food region in Europe.
The region was represented by Tore O. Sandvik, Regional Mayor and Rita Ottervik, Mayor of the Municipality. Kristine Rise from Oi! Regional Food Organisation, Jens Storli from Visit Trondheim, Birgitte Dillan from Trondelag Region and Marit Teigan Myrstad from Trondheim Municipality will lead the work on the bid book together with the stakeholders from public, private, third sector and knowledge institutions. By implementing good practice learnt from past and current Regions of Gastronomy as well as by activating a long-term vision for the region they hope to build cohesion and become known as the Home of Nordic Flavours.
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.
5 agosto 2019
