Aimed at rewarding the most unique food and food-related craft gifts from the World and European Regions of Gastronomy, the 5th edition of IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge will take place in Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024, on 25 April.
Attractiveness, sustainability, connection to the region, storytelling, creativity and innovation will be among the criteria used by an international jury of experts to evaluate the products submitted. The best gifts will be awarded at an official ceremony in the presence of representatives from IGCAT, the World Region of Gastronomy Platform, as well as local stakeholders from Aseer region.
The competition will be held in the framework of the 27th World Region of Gastronomy Platform meeting, during which Aseer will have the chance to showcase best practices and discuss common challenges with international fellows from other awarded and candidate regions. The meeting will open with the 10th IGCAT Experts Meeting, where international speakers from IGCAT and the Platform will share knowledge and experiences with local stakeholders from Aseer.
About the World Food Gift Challenge
IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge contributes to the protection and promotion of local food and cultural diversity by instilling local pride into local traditions and acknowledging outstanding products from local culinary cultures.
The official ambassador for the project is Ana Roš, head chef and co-owner of 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Hiša Franko and 2017 World Best Female Chef, who salutes the World Food Gift Challenge “focusing on gastronomy on the larger point of view. We need to support more the work of small-scale producers. The food chain is one and we should defend it in its integrity.”
Winners of the previous editions:
World Food Gift Challenge 2023
World Food Gift Challenge 2022
European Food Gift Challenge 2021
European Food Gift Challenge 2020
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.