IGCAT’s 36th Advisory Forum and 12th Annual General Meeting brought together 42 participants across multiple time zones. The event united global voices to support food diversity, sustainability, and culture. Held online, it showcased major achievements from the awarded and candidate World Regions of Gastronomy. It also approved strategic developments and welcomed new leadership.
Highlights from the World Regions of Gastronomy
Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy 2024
Aseer featured prominently in a national report on Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Vision 2030. The King recognised it as a flagship initiative of the Culinary Arts Commission. As a result, the region stood out as a cultural and gastronomic leader. In recognition of her contribution, Mayada Badr became an honorary IGCAT Ambassador.
Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025
Catalonia confirmed it will host the next Platform meeting from 24–26 September. This will be followed by a World Gastronomy Summit on 27 September. During the meeting, members officially endorsed a Manifesto recognising food as cultural heritage. A major communication campaign will launch on 1 July across Catalonia, involving chefs, bakers, educators, and policymakers.
Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy 2026
On 27 June 2025, Manabí will officially receive the award in a ceremony in Manta, Ecuador. Patricio Tamariz will lead the region as Executive Director, supported by Imelda Muñoz as Director of Tourism. In addition, Orazio Bellettini was appointed IGCAT Ambassador for the region.
Vanuatu, Candidate World Region of Gastronomy 2027
Members unanimously approved Vanuatu’s final bid book. The candidacy now moves to the jury visit stage. Votausi Mackenzie-Reur, appointed IGCAT Ambassador in 2024, continues to promote the value of local food for health and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: 2028 and Beyond
A new website — www.worldregionofgastronomy.org — will launch during the September 2025 Summit. It will help promote the initiative on a global scale.
To maintain prestige, the IGCAT Board recommended selecting only one region per year. Members approved a revised selection framework. This new approach prioritises geographic rotation, stakeholder readiness, and underrepresented areas, aligning fully with IGCAT’s values.
Accountability and Strategic Planning
The Forum approved and published IGCAT’s 2024 Annual Report. The document highlights a year of dynamic regional activities and international partnerships. Members also approved the 2024 financial accounts and confirmed the 2025 budget. These steps reinforce IGCAT’s commitment to transparency and long-term strategic growth.
IGCAT Executive Board Renewal
The AGM confirmed the renewal of the Executive Board, welcoming one new member. The current board includes:
- Diane Dodd, PhD, President
- Jaume Gomila, Vice-President (Secretary)
- Edith M. Szivas, PhD, Vice-President (Treasurer)
- Omar Valdez, Member
- Ramon Sentmartí, Member
Trademark and Intellectual Property
To expand and protect its global presence, IGCAT renewed and registered all trademarks. It worked closely with Guell IP. The organisation also began the international registration process for the World Region of Gastronomy trademark. This will allow awarded regions to use the logo under a new licensing agreement, aligned with IGCAT’s mission.
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.
18 junio 2025
